Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi says modern technology is being utilized to make railway services more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly.

Talking to Vice President of the Asian Development Bank,Yingming Yang, in Islamabad today, he said that comprehensive reforms are being undertaken in Pakistan Railways to improve financial sustainability, governance, operational efficiency, development and revenue generation.

During the meeting, the two sides also held detailed discussions on the upgradation and financing of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and the future development strategy of Pakistan Railways.

Hanif Abbasi said that ML-1 is a national priority project of the government. He said the government is committed to laying the foundation stone for the Karachi-Rohri section during the current financial year.

He said that the Karachi-Rohri ML-1 upgradation project is estimated to cost approximately 2.5 billion dollars and is targeted for completion within three years.

Appreciating the continued support of the Asian Development Bank for the development and modernization of Pakistan Railways, the Minister requested the ADB to expedite the approval process for the central investment loan for the project.

In his remarks, ADB Vice President Yang appreciated the ongoing reform initiatives in Pakistan Railways and the efforts of Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi.

He also reaffirmed the ADB's commitment to continuing cooperation for the improvement, modernization and sustainable development of Pakistan Railways.