CDWP Clears ML-1, Havelian Dry Port Designs, Key CPEC Transport Projects
ISLAMABAD, Oct.19 (Gwadar Pro)-In a major step toward modernizing Pakistan’s transport infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Sunday referred the Preliminary Design and Drawings for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project and the Havelian Dry Port, valued at Rs16.26 billion, to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The move marks a pivotal milestone in advancing CPEC Phase II, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s logistics backbone.
Chairing the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal described ML-1 as “Pakistan’s leap into the 21st century,” emphasizing that railway modernization is essential for the country to remain competitive as the world shifts toward electric and high-speed trains. He also urged Pakistan Railways to commercialize its extensive land assets to generate revenue for sustainable infrastructure upgrades.
In total, 18 development projects were approved across multiple sectors during the meeting. Twelve projects worth Rs35.4 billion received approval at the CDWP level, while six projects totaling Rs280.2 billion were recommended to ECNEC. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, the Vice Chancellor of PIDE, the Chief Economist, and senior officials from federal and provincial departments, along with development partners.
The CDWP also approved the Detailed Engineering Design for the ML-1 Rohri–Khanpur–Multan Section, valued at Rs3.21 billion, to be financed through the Asian Development Bank (ADB)—a development that further accelerates progress on CPEC’s transport agenda.
Additionally, the feasibility study for the Quetta Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, worth Rs1.24 billion, received approval, aiming to significantly improve urban mobility in Balochistan’s capital.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that Pakistan’s development strategy is guided by Vision 2025 and the Uraan Pakistan 5Es Framework—Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy & Infrastructure, Environment, and Equity & Empowerment.
“Development is not just about projects; it is about people, performance, and purpose. Every initiative we approve today must translate into a better tomorrow for Pakistan,” he said.
The approved and recommended projects cover key areas including transportation, energy, infrastructure, climate resilience, and human development—reflecting the government’s focus on sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready growth.
