ML-1 project: Railways ministry urged to finalise MoU with Sindh govt
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Railways urged the Ministry of Railways to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sindh Government at the earliest to pave the way for starting work on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project.
The Senate’s panel met here on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Shahadat Awan and deliberated on major structural and infrastructure modernization projects. Discussions covered the revamping of 200-year-old historic tracks and the Main Line 2 (ML-2) project, spanning 1,254 kilometers under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, with proposed routes connecting Kotri to Dadu, Dadu to Larkana, and Hyderabad to Mirpurkhas.
It may be mentioned here that the construction will start on the long-awaited Phase 1 of the Mainline (ML-1) rail link from Karachi to Rohri with a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Pakistan Railways is to facilitate the multi-billion-dollar Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, prioritizing local support, land clearance, and cooperation for the initial USD 2.5 billion investment.
During the proceedings, the Committee critically evaluated the compliance status of earlier recommendations rendered in its previous meetings.
A major focus of the discussion was directed towards commercial assets and land management. Addressing the inquiry regarding 53 petrol pumps situated on railway property, the Committee was informed that the entire operational process remains strictly in compliance with Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and prescribed standards.
The officials noted that following the policy update in 2023, the rental amount was revised to 10 percent from 8 percent. However, the Committee emphasized that the overall rent policy must align strictly with the law and directed that commercial rents be re-evaluated and fixed accordingly.
Addressing the long-standing accountability concerns, the Committee examined pending inquiries with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) dating back to 2021.
Expressing concern over delays, the Committee instructed the Ministry and railway officials to conduct internal departmental inquiries, fix accountability, identify the individuals named in the inquiry reports, and keep the Committee regularly updated.
Furthermore, regarding theft of high-speed diesel, the officials informed that the railways have decreased the number to zero as the fuel is now directly injected into train engines.
On encroachments on the Railway lands, the Committee commended the retrieval of 376 Acres of land from illegal encroachments out of a targeted 13,000+ acres, while directing the Chairman and Ministry to accelerate anti-encroachment drives and submit a comprehensive feedback report within two months.
The Committee deliberated upon the long-pending settlement for affectees under Case No. 1/2018. Displeasure was expressed regarding delayed compliance in coordination with the Finance Division.
The Committee also directed the authorities to formulate concrete, legally sound solutions aligned with the orders of the court and ensure fair, prompt compensation for all affected parties.
Subsequently, Agenda Item II and Agenda Item III were disposed of following satisfactory initial responses and commitments from the Ministry.
The Minister for Railways reassured the Committee that strict transparency will govern all future operations, affirming that neither the department nor any individual would be permitted to lease a single foot of railway land arbitrarily, and that every transaction will strictly follow the law.
The meeting was attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesa, Bushra Anjum Butt, Minister for Railways, and officials from concerned departments.