Pakistan, May 28 -- Pakistan Railways plans to start work on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project this year. The ministry has asked for Rs75 billion in the new budget to begin this massive railway upgrade. ML-1 is expected to cost around Rs2.3 trillion, making it the biggest project in railway history. The project is important for improving trade routes, including the transport of coal from Thar and Reko Diq.

However, progress on other railway projects has been slow. Out of 38 projects approved this year, only six were completed. The rest will now move to the next fiscal year. The Senate Standing Committee on Railways has asked for a full report on the delays. The committee also supported a new plan to finish projects in parts instead of waiti...