ML-1 removed from CPEC framework

Project to seek financing from ADB, other lenders

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government has disclosed that the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project has been removed from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework and will now seek financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other international financial institutions.

The revelation came before the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, which also sought explanations regarding the project's financing, an inquiry into the Power Division and the Economic Affairs Division's (EAD) decision to seek legal advice from the Ministry of Law.

The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro, reviewed matters relating to foreign borrowing by the federal and provincial governments, foreign-funded development projects in Sindh, and the role of the Economic Affairs Division.

Proceedings were dominated by a heated exchange over a letter written by a section officer suggesting that certain matters raised by the committee did not fall within its jurisdiction.

The committee also questioned the financing mechanism for the ML-1 project after Economic Affairs Secretary Hameer Karim informed members that the railway project, initially conceived as part of the CPEC framework with an estimated cost of $7.7 billion, had now been separated from CPEC.

He said the government was pursuing financial support from the Asian Development Bank and other international lending institutions.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways directed Pakistan Railways to submit detailed reports on railway land encroachments and the progress of its restructuring plan, including the ML-I and PIPRI projects, while reviewing railway safety measures, recent accidents and the implementation of its previous recommendations.

A requisitioned meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways was held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Member National Assembly (MNA) Ramesh Lal, who presided over the proceedings in the absence of the committee chairman in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.

The committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on January 14 and reviewed the implementation status of recommendations made during earlier meetings.

During the meeting, the Secretary of Pakistan Railways gave a comprehensive briefing on recent railway accidents, including the collision involving Shalimar Express at Lakha Road Station in Sukkur Division and the derailment of Tezgam on the Lodhran–Bahawalpur section.

The members were informed about the causes of the accidents, the findings of departmental inquiries and disciplinary action initiated against officials found responsible.

The committee also received a detailed briefing on Pakistan Railways' restructuring, revival and growth plan, covering its strategic direction, governance framework, institutional reforms and implementation strategy aimed at modernising the country's rail network.

Expressing concern over encroachments on railway land, the committee directed Pakistan Railways to submit a comprehensive report on illegal occupations along various sections of the railway network, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad and other parts of the country.

The committee further instructed the Ministry of Railways to present a detailed briefing at its next meeting on the progress achieved under the restructuring and revival plan, as well as updates on the ML-I and PIPRI projects.