🚆🇵🇰 China Exits CPEC ML-1, Pakistan Eyes ADB
🚆🇵🇰 CPEC Updates 2025: China Exits ML-1, Pakistan Turns to ADB for Rail Revival Introduction The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—once hailed as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic revival—has entered turbulent waters. The withdrawal of Chinese funding from the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway expansion marks a turning point in Pakistan’s infrastructure ambitions and regional partnerships. As Islamabad turns to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a potential $2 billion loan , this development could reshape not only Pakistan’s transport network but also the future of Belt and Road cooperation in South Asia. What Is the ML-1 Project? The ML-1 railway upgrade aimed to modernize Pakistan’s primary north-south railway line spanning 1,872 kilometers from Karachi to Peshawar. It promised: Faster passenger trains (up to 160 km/h ) Increased cargo capacity to boost trade Creation of tens of thousands of jobs d...
