Main Line 1 (ML-1) is the most important railway corridor in Pakistan, running 1,872 km from Karachi to Peshawar. An upgrade project currently underway will transform the route — and train travel across the country.
What is ML-1?
ML-1 carries the majority of Pakistan Railways' passenger and freight traffic. Most of the route dates to the British colonial era and has seen limited upgrades since, resulting in speed restrictions and poor punctuality on the world's most important section of Pakistani rail.
The Upgrade Plan
Under a Chinese-funded project, ML-1 will be upgraded to handle speeds of up to 160 km/h for passenger trains, compared to 80–100 km/h today. New signalling systems, track realignment, and grade separation at major crossings are all part of the plan.
Impact on Journey Times
The Karachi–Lahore journey, which currently takes 20–26 hours, is expected to be cut to around 9–10 hours once the upgrade is complete. Lahore–Peshawar would drop from 6+ hours to under 3 hours.
Timeline
Construction is progressing in phases. Initial sections are expected to open to upgraded speeds in the coming years, with full completion projected in the late 2020s.
What It Means for Passengers
Faster, more reliable trains will make rail competitive with air travel for the first time on the Karachi–Lahore corridor. Expect new rolling stock, improved stations, and better on-time performance as the project matures.