The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved the revised PC-I for the ML-1 railway project, a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) worth $6.7 billion. According to a statement, the CDWP has now forwarded the project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The Havelian Dry Port project has also been attached with the ML-1 project. Meanwhile, the CDWP also approved seven small projects worth Rs 82.2 billion and sent three projects worth Rs 9.2 billion to ECNEC for approval. The Muzaffarabad-Mansehra Expressway project worth Rs 58 billion and the Mirpur-Mangla Road project worth Rs 9.2 billion have also been sent to ECNEC for approval. Earlier, the National Railway Administration (NRA), China pledged to collaborate closely with Pakistan Railways to kick start ground operations for the ML-I project. The Chinese government assured full support for the ML-1 project, and joint efforts will be made to ensure its swift completion. The ML-1 project is poised to bring about a transformative change in Pakistan’s railway system, and both countries are committed to working together for the project’s speedy realization.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan