The Pakistan rail upgrade secures $2 billion in ADB financing, ensuring faster connectivity and reliable cargo transport to support the Reko Diq mine and Pakistan’s growing economic needs. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Pakistan rail upgrade secures $2 billion in ADB financing, ensuring faster connectivity and reliable cargo transport to support the Reko Diq mine and Pakistan’s growing economic needs.
Photo courtesy: Pakistan Railways/File

Pakistan rail upgrade to boost connectivity

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has stepped in to lead the Pakistan rail upgrade after years of delays with Chinese financing. The project focuses on modernizing a 500-kilometer line between Karachi and Rohri.

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Officials confirmed the financing deal, highlighting its importance for transporting copper ore from the Reko Diq mine to Karachi. The upgrade will improve speed and efficiency, ensuring the line meets the demands of future freight volumes.

Pakistan rail upgrade supports mining and trade

The Reko Diq mine, one of the largest copper deposits in the world, expects to start production in 2028. Annual output is projected at 200,000 metric tons of copper concentrate.

ADB plans to lead a consortium and bring in an international engineering firm through a competitive process. This approach reflects a shift in Pakistan’s infrastructure financing, as the country works to manage debt from earlier Chinese-backed projects.

In addition, the upgrade will connect southern ports with northern trade corridors, boosting trade potential. Efficient transport will not only support mining exports but also enhance economic growth in industrial sectors reliant on rail logistics.

Source: www.arabnews.com

What is the Pakistan rail upgrade?

The Pakistan rail upgrade is a $2 billion project funded by ADB to modernize the 500-kilometer line between Karachi and Rohri for faster and safer freight transport.

How will the Pakistan rail upgrade help the Reko Diq mine?

It will enable reliable transportation of copper concentrate from the Reko Diq site to Karachi’s port, ensuring steady export operations and supporting Pakistan’s mining sector growth.

When will the Pakistan rail upgrade be completed?

While no exact date is set, officials expect significant progress within the next few years to meet the 2028 production schedule at the Reko Diq mine.

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