- By: Iftikhar Ahmed (ifti12560@gmail.com)
- The writer is a research scholar at the Institute of Management Sciences (IM Sciences) Peshawar
Since its inception in 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been playing a pivotal role in socio-economic and infrastructural development in Pakistan. Railway infrastructure in Pakistan is one of the major beneficiaries of these infrastructural developments, poised for transformative change. Once a robust and well-developed network established by the British, Pakistan’s railway system has fidgeted for decades of inefficiencies, corruption, lack of investment and outdated infrastructure.
As of June 2024, the Pakistan Railways network is 7,791 route-kilometers long, with 7,346 kilometers of broad gauge and 445 kilometers of meter gauge. The network also includes 1,043 kilometers of double-track sections and 285 kilometers of electrified sections. Nevertheless, the network has seen a decline in both passenger and freight services due to these persistent issues. Pakistan has not built any new routes since 1982 and has instead removed branch lines with light traffic since the 1980s. However, there are some future projects planned, including doubling the track from Lalamusa to Chaklala and from Golra Sharif to Peshawar Cantt.
The railway tracks have deteriorated over time, leading to frequent derailments and accidents. The average speed of passenger trains is around 50 to 70 km/h, far below the global standards. This slow speed not only affects passenger travel times but also impacts the efficiency of freight services, making road transport more attractive for goods transportation despite higher costs.
The rolling stock, including locomotives and carriages, is largely outdated, with many units well past their operational life span. According to Pakistan Railways, nearly 60% of the locomotives and 40% of the passenger coaches are overage and require urgent replacement. This aging fleet contributes to frequent breakdowns and service disruptions, further diminishing the reliability of the railway network.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a breakthrough for the rehabilitation of the Railway infrastructure in the country with Main Line-1 (ML-1) being the flagship project under CPE. Under the revised plan, the project consists of three phases having a total length of 1,726km. Phase-1, 2, 3 and 4 comprise Karachi-Multan, Multan-Lahore, Lahore-Lalamusa and Lalamusa-Peshawar. The design speed would be up to 140km per hour which can be increased to 160km per hour on the upgraded track once the entire left/right of the track is fenced and some other upgrade work is done completely.
According to Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiative of Pakistan, the project named “Up-Gradation and Dualization Of ML-1 And Establishment Of Dry Port Near Havelian” involves the following key aspects:
• Up-gradation and Doubling of Main Line-1 (ML-1) from Karachi to Peshawar and Taxila to Havelian (1733 km)
• Laying of a new track with improved subgrade for 160 km/h
• Increase in Speed from 65-105 km/h to 120-160 km/h
• Rehabilitation and construction of major bridges
• Provision of Modern Signaling & Telecom Systems
• Conversion of Level Crossings into Underpasses/ Fly Overs
• Fencing of Track
• Establishment of Dry Port near Havelian
• Up-gradation of Walton Training Academy
• The work will be carried out by financing through the Chinese Government Concessional Loan (GCL).
• Project feasibility has been completed.
ML-1 project will not bring a revolution in outdated railway infrastructure in Pakistan, but this modernization is also expected to increase Freight Efficiency through Improved tracks and operational capabilities will enhance freight services, making them more reliable and cost-effective. The ML-1 project is anticipated to create around 20,000 jobs during the construction phase and an additional 150,000 jobs indirectly. Training programs and skill development initiatives associated with these projects will help build a more skilled workforce in the railway sector.
According to the Planning Commission of Pakistan, the ML-1 upgrade could boost GDP growth by 2-3% through enhanced trade and industrial activity facilitated by improved railway logistics. The project is expected to generate an economic benefit of around $10 billion annually through reduced travel times, lower logistics costs, and increased trade.