ML-1 Project: Pakistan’s Key Milestone for KP Development & CPEC Progress
Governor Mir Aziz Kundi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has declared the ML-1 railway project—a cornerstone of Pakistan’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—a “major milestone” for the province’s economic transformation, emphasizing its role in unlocking development in southern KP. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Peshawar, Kundi framed the project as essential to bridging infrastructure gaps that have long constrained trade, connectivity, and regional integration, while also directly addressing delays that have drawn criticism from Beijing.
The project, a 117-kilometer double-track railway line connecting Khanpur with Landhi, is part of CPEC’s broader rail expansion phase, designed to reduce transit times between KP and Punjab by up to 70%. Kundi, who also chairs the provincial CPEC Authority, told reporters that the railway’s completion would “dramatically improve logistics for industries in southern KP, particularly around Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat.” He added that the project’s alignment with China’s push for faster CPEC milestones—highlighted in recent diplomatic exchanges—was a priority for KP’s leadership.
Kundi’s remarks came as Pakistan Railways prepared to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the ML-1’s final construction phases, a move confirmed by federal Minister for Railways Shehryar Afridi during a joint meeting with Kundi and senior officials from the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). Afridi stated that the RFP process, expected to launch within the next 30 days, would invite bids from both domestic and Chinese firms, though he declined to specify timelines for contract awards or groundbreaking.
The urgency of the project has been underscored by Chinese officials, who have publicly pressed for resolutions to delays in CPEC’s rail and port infrastructure. In a recent statement, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that “timely progress on ML-1 and the Gwadar Port expansion is critical to maintaining momentum in CPEC’s second phase,” a reference to Beijing’s frustration over bureaucratic hurdles and land acquisition challenges in Pakistan. While Kundi did not address the delays directly, he reiterated KP’s commitment to “fast-tracking environmental clearances and land negotiations” to align with China’s expectations.
Beyond economic benefits, the ML-1 project is seen as a litmus test for KP’s ability to manage large-scale infrastructure under CPEC’s expanded scope. Provincial officials have pointed to the railway’s potential to revive agriculture and mining sectors in southern KP, where underdeveloped transport links have limited growth. However, local stakeholders have raised concerns about displacement risks for communities along the route, a issue Kundi acknowledged without providing details on mitigation plans.
In parallel, Pakistan Railways announced that the RFP for ML-1 would be released under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, a shift from earlier CPEC projects that relied on Chinese state-backed financing. The move reflects Islamabad’s efforts to diversify funding sources amid fiscal constraints, though it introduces new complexities in procurement and oversight. Afridi emphasized that the PPP framework would ensure “transparency and local ownership,” though industry analysts warn that delays in finalizing contracts could further push back completion timelines.
The project’s progress will be closely watched by international observers, particularly as CPEC’s second phase—focused on industrial zones and energy—accelerates. With China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong, recently reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to “deepening cooperation” in KP, the ML-1 railway stands as both a symbol of CPEC’s enduring importance and a test of Pakistan’s capacity to deliver on its promises.