ISLAMABAD – Ministry of Railways has inked an agreement with China for upgradation of main Peshawar to Karachi line (ML-1) aiming to meet futurechallenges, Minister for Railways Shaikh Rashid Ahmed told Senate.

In a written reply to the question of Senator Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh, theminister said strategy has been devised to improve performance, reliabilityand productivity of Railways system by implementing various projects.

The government had launched 36 development projects worth Rs 470.015billion since June, 2013. Out of these 36 projects, 12 projects have beencompleted, while 24 projects are still in progress. Besides, 09 projectshave also been completed which were launched before June, 2013.

The Railways service has already been started on Kohat –Rawalpindi sectionearlier this years, which was suspended during 2011. Likewise, MehranExpress between Karachi-Mirpur Khas is also restored on 13-04-2018 whichwas suspended during 2008.

Rehabilitation / Up-gradation of Railway Infrastructure on Sibi-Khostsection is in progress, he said adding that Railway service will berestored after completion of project activities.