RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Railways is going to launch the ML-II project in collaboration with National Logistics Corporation and DP World.

The 2.5 billion dollar investment aims to improve railway infrastructure and regional connectivity. Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi here  outlined a series of transformative projects to modernize the railways.

He made the announcement after inaugurating the upgraded platforms at Rawalpindi Railway Station. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed zero tolerance for negligence in improving Pakistan Railways, particularly in restoring railway tracks.

A key proposal is an 840-kilometre corridor linking Chaman, Kandahar, Herat, and Turkmenistan, which would connect Pakistan to Central Asia and enhance regional trade.

He said Jaffar Express and Bolan Express were resuming services in Balochistan, calling it a major success. He also said that the Asian Development Bank had approved a two billion dollar project for the Karachi-Rohri section, set to begin by the end of July.

The minister added that daily freight trains between Rohri and Karachi have increased from eight to ten, and that the Hazara Express has been upgraded, with more trains to follow by December.

He also announced a digitalization agreement with the Frontier Works Organization to make all stations smart and secure.