The Karachi-Rohri segment, spanning around 480-500 km, has an estimated total cost of $2 billion.
ADB is poised to provide about $1.2 billion, while discussions continue with partners like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to cover the remaining funds.
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This multilateral approach aims to diversify financing beyond traditional sources.
Project Context and Strategic Importance
The talks were highlighted in a recent CPEC progress meeting chaired by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal.
Officials noted that Pakistan’s Embassy in China has sought details on the ML-1 financing plan, including third-party involvement, to share with Chinese authorities for broader coordination.
The Karachi-Rohri upgrade is prioritized as a starting phase for the overall ML-1 revitalization, which seeks to modernize Pakistan’s aging railway network for faster, safer train operations.
This development reflects efforts to accelerate the project amid past delays in full Chinese funding for ML-1.
Successful financing could boost connectivity, support freight transport (including from mining projects like Reko Diq), and enhance economic growth in southern Pakistan.