ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Railways has inked an agreement with China for up gradation of main Peshawar to Karachi line (ML-1) aiming to meet future challenges, Minister for Railways Shaikh Rashid Ahmed told Senate.

In a written reply to the question of Senator Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh, the minister said strategy has been devised to improve performance, reliability and productivity of Railways system by implementing various projects.

The government had launched 36 development projects worth Rs 470.015 billion since June, 2013. Out of these 36 projects, 12 projects have been completed, while 24 projects are still in progress. Besides, 09 projects have also been completed which were launched before June, 2013.

The Railways service has already been started on Kohat –Rawalpindi section earlier this years, which was suspended during 2011. Likewise, Mehran Express between Karachi-Mirpur Khas is also restored on 13-04-2018 which was suspended during 2008.

Rehabilitation / Up-gradation of Railway Infrastructure on Sibi-Khost section is in progress, he said adding that Railway service will be restored after completion of project activities.