CPEC: ML-1 project lifeline of PR, says Pakistani Railways Minister

Lahore: Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that Main Line 1 (ML-1) project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was the lifeline of the Pakistan Railway (PR).

Presiding over the meeting on development plans, Rabita (contact) Application and the latest situation of ML-1 here, the Federal Minister maintained that Pakistan dearly needed to expedite work on the mega project.

“The the ML-1 is the lifeline of the railways. The work should be restored immediately and in the present circumstances, the railway administration should reset its priorities so that talks could be held with China in this regard,” he contended.

Regarding the Rabita application, he directed the authorities to review all the legal and technical aspects and submit its report.

During the briefing on the development plans of the railways, the minister urged not to make such a long wish list which was not feasible, adding that only make plans that could be completed. He also gave guidelines on rolling stock and infrastructure projects.

The minister sought details regarding the investment of railways in Gwadar, rail link from Basima to Gwadar and construction of railway station and railway terminal at Gwadar.

Later, Secretary Railways and Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Railways also got approved various appointments from the minister.