The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 12 new development projects worth Rs 35.4 billion, giving a major push to Pakistan’s infrastructure modernization agenda. Among the highlights is the greenlight for upgrades to the critical Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway corridor, which forms the backbone of the country’s rail transport network. An additional six projects, with a cumulative value of Rs 280.2 billion, have been referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
The ML-1 project, a priority under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aims to modernize the aging Karachi–Peshawar railway line. It will include new tracks, upgraded signaling systems, modern bridges, and improved speed and safety standards. Officials say once the project is fully operational, it will reduce travel time between Karachi and Lahore to under eight hours, while also expanding freight capacity.
At the CDWP meeting, chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Jehanzeb Khan, the approved portfolio also included projects related to energy, water management, education, and urban development. Key among them is a water infrastructure improvement plan for Balochistan and Sindh, aimed at improving irrigation systems and supporting climate resilience.
Government sources said these projects align with Pakistan’s broader strategy to accelerate infrastructure-led growth, attract foreign investment, and create jobs in priority sectors. “Railways and water infrastructure are not just about development—they’re economic multipliers,” said a senior Planning Ministry official. “ML-1 alone is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”
The meeting also emphasized fiscal discipline and proper monitoring mechanisms. In recent years, Pakistan has struggled with project delays and cost overruns, especially in mega infrastructure schemes. To address this, the government is introducing stricter timelines and digital monitoring dashboards to track project milestones.
Economists welcomed the move, saying infrastructure development will not only stimulate the economy but also facilitate regional trade. “An efficient rail network lowers logistics costs, makes Pakistani exports more competitive, and attracts manufacturing investment,” said Karachi-based economist Dr. Ishrat Mehdi. However, he cautioned that execution and financing will be key. “Announcing projects is easy—delivering them on time and within budget is the challenge.”
The projects are expected to be financed through a mix of federal budget allocations, multilateral loans, and public-private partnerships. With global investors showing renewed interest after the IMF agreement, officials are optimistic that financing will be secured without putting additional pressure on fiscal space.
If implemented efficiently, the ML-1 upgrade could transform Pakistan’s logistics landscape and position the country as a critical regional transit hub.
