ADB commits to fast-tracking ML-1 railway project as Pakistan seeks expanded development financing

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Asian Development Bank has committed to helping speed up its internal processes for the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project. ADB President Masato Kanda gave the pledge during a meeting in Bangkok with Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, held on the margins of the 2026 Annual Meetings on October 15.

Cheema praised the bank's leading role in modernising Pakistan's railway corridor, a move meant to improve regional links and upgrade transport and logistics. He pressed for an early end to the feasibility study and a start to procurement for the scheme.

Talks also covered the Country Partnership Strategy for 2026 to 2030, which Cheema welcomed as a framework for more strategic, impact-focused cooperation. He called for wider non-sovereign operations, a firmer permanent presence on the ground and a pipeline of public-private partnership schemes. The delegation also stressed affordable financing and more flexibility in lending terms, and both sides vowed to speed up implementation.