CPEC and Pakistan Railways Projects: Future Perspective
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has played a major role in revolutionizing Pakistan’s energy, economy, and infrastructure. Among all, Pakistan Railways—a vital pillar of transportation and logistics—has seen some of the most notable advancements under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The goal of the partnership between China and Pakistan is to rebuild the nation’s rail network through substantial investment and technical skills. This development is expected to boost options for employment, increase industrial growth, and strengthen Pakistan’s connectivity.
The Development of Pakistan Railways: A Transformational Journey
Pakistan Railways, which has long been hampered by insufficient investment, inefficiency, and obsolete infrastructure, has been modernized due to CPEC’s emphasis on infrastructure development. In Phase I and II of CPEC, these 03 projects of Pakistan Railways have been initiated.Â
1- Main Line 1(ML-1)
Cost:-
The ML-1 project is expected to cost $10 billion, with Chinese loans under CPEC.
Completion:-
The ML-1 project is not yet completed. While the initial phases of fundraising and planning have been finished, construction is still proceeding. The project is anticipated to be finished in 3-5 years.
Features: –
- From Karachi to Peshawar, the ML-1 project covers 1,872 kilometers –
- The railroad track will be modernized to accommodate faster trains, reaching 160 km/h.
- Modernization of signaling and control systems, as well as a double-track system, are all part of it.Â
- The project also includes replacing aging stations, tunnels, and bridges.
Benefits:
- Significantly shortened the time needed to travel from Karachi to Peshawar i.e. from Karachi to Lahore to 03 Hours, and from Karachi to Peshawar to 05 hours.
- Expanded capacity for freight transportation, enhancing supply chain management across Pakistan.
- 150,000 jobs are created during the building and operating phases. – Connection with the CPEC to increase trade, particularly between Pakistan and China.
2-Main Line 2 (ML-2)
Cost:-
The project is expected to cost approximately $3.4 billion, however, this amount may increase as the project progresses.
Completion:-
This project has not made the kind of substantial progress that ML-1 has, as it is still in the planning phases. It is anticipated to start after the ML-1 project is finished or nearly finished.
Features: –
- ML-2 connects southern and northern Pakistan from Kotri (Sindh) to Attock via Dadu.
- To relieve the strain on ML-1, the route will be modernized to handle faster trains for freight services.
Benefits:
- It will provide an alternative path for both passenger and freight services.
- Major cities and industrial zones in Pakistan’s interior would be better connected as a result.
- It will be essential to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reducing economic barriers and clearing administrative backlogs.
3- Main Line 3 (ML-3)
Cost:-
Projected cost is expected to be in the range of $2-3 billion.
Completion:-
Like ML-2, ML-3 is now in the early planning stages and has not seen much advancement. It is anticipated to launch after ML-1 is finished.
Features: –
- ML-3 connects Rohri (Sindh) to Quetta (Balochistan) and is largely focused on enhancing connectivity between the western provinces and the interior regions of Pakistan.
- To increase capacity and speed, the route will reconstructed and track will be modified.
Benefits:
- ML-3 connects the National railway network to Gwadar Port, a key element of the CPEC.
- It would improve connectivity in Pakistan’s less developed areas, spurring economic growth and opening up more market access.
- The project is anticipated to enhance the transportation of minerals from resource-rich Balochistan.
Pakistan Railways and Job Opportunities
The CPEC’s renovation of Pakistan Railways has significantly impacted the generation of jobs across a number of industries. The CPEC-related railway expansion has improved employment in Pakistan in the following ways:
1. Construction job:-
Thousands of employees including engineers, construction workers, and technical personnel have been created by the ML-1 project’s construction and renovation of train infrastructure. It provides jobs to a lot of labor, workers with and without skills.
2. Engineering and Technical Expertise
There is an increased demand for qualified engineers and technical specialists for planning, building, and management of new train lines due to Pakistan Railways’ modernization.
3. Growth of the Manufacturing Sector
The manufacturing industry in Pakistan has benefited from the rise of freight capacity, which has made commodities transit more dependable and efficient. This has led to the creation of indirect job possibilities in the steel, cement, and textile industries.
4. Logistics and Supply Chain Jobs
As the nation’s freight capacity rises, CPEC’s rail projects have generated opportunities in supply chain management, warehousing, and logistics. To manage a larger amount of commodities being carried across the nation, these sectors need a strong labor force.
5. Employment Opportunities in Maintenance and Transportation
More workers are needed to maintain and run the trains as the railway system expands. This group comprises the engineers, mechanics, and support personnel for maintaining the smooth operation of the railroads.
6. Development of New Industrial Zones
The establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the CPEC routes open job prospects in these new industries. It is anticipated that the zones will draw in both domestic and foreign investment. e.g. under Allama Iqbal Economic Zone Faisalabad, 200 industrial units would be installed making it largest textile city in South Asia.
7. The Tourism Industry's Growth
Enhanced railway connectivity promises to increase Pakistan’s tourism industry, hence generating employment opportunities in hotel, travel services, and related sectors. Both domestic and foreign visitors are visiting Pakistan’s northern regions more frequently now. Similarly, Gawadar Sea Drive would attract more tourists to Pakistan.
8. Information Technology and Communication Jobs
Opportunities in the IT and communication sectors have been created by the modernization of railways, which has also resulted in the digitalization of operations. Skilled professionals are needed to maintain railway records and manage sophisticated signaling systems.
9. Development of Vocational Skills and Training
To provide local workers with the skills necessary for railway building and running, vocational training programs have been established in collaboration with Chinese enterprises. The development of human resources has directly benefited from this.
10. Entrepreneurship Opportunities:-
Entrepreneurs in industries like logistics, travel agency, food services, and other additional services that cater to rail passengers and freight have discovered new business opportunities due to improved infrastructure.
The Pros of CPEC on Development of Pakistan Railways
1. Enhanced Connectivity
Improved rail connectivity between Pakistan’s industrial hubs and major cities means that people and goods move more easily throughout the country.
2. Reduction in Transportation Costs
Transportation costs have dropped significantly due to reduced travel times and increased freight capacity, which benefits industries by lowering the cost of moving finished goods and raw materials
3. Regional Integration
Pakistan’s upgraded railway network under CPEC strengthens its role in regional integration by connecting the nation with China, Central Asia Republic CAR, and other regions, which improves trade relations and opens up new markets.
4. Increased Foreign Investment
The expansion of infrastructure, especially railways, under CPEC, has drawn foreign direct investment (FDI) from China and other countries. This development not only benefits the economy but also produces jobs.
5. Advantages for the Environment
Rail transit is a primarily environmentally friendly choice since it reduces the transportation sector’s carbon footprint by electrifying the rails and relying less on vehicle transportation.
The Cons of CPEC on Development of Pakistan Railways
1. Debt Dependency
The funding of large-scale rail projects under CPEC has sparked concerns about Pakistan’s mounting debt burden. Certain experts contend that the nation’s dependence on Chinese loans may trigger a financial catastrophe like Srilanka if the debt is not adequately managed.
2. Local Industry Concerns
There are concerns that local industries may be overshadowed by Chinese companies involved in CPEC projects, potentially limiting growth opportunities for domestic firms.
3. Environmental Concerns
While electricity cuts carbon emissions, the large-scale construction projects have led to concerns about deforestation, land acquisition challenges, and relocation of communities.
4. Political Instability
The implementation of important railway projects has been delayed by political opposition and a lack of agreement over CPEC projects. Political instability and inconsistent policies can hinder the long-term benefits of CPEC.
5. Security Risks
The security of CPEC projects, particularly in regions such as Balochistan, remains a concern. Ensuring the safety of rail infrastructure in conflict-prone areas requires significant investment in security measures .
Future Perspectives: The Road Ahead for Pakistan Railways
As CPEC continues to develop, the future of Pakistan Railways looks promising, with several key trends expected to shape its progress:
1. Expansion of ML-2 and ML-3
After the successful upgrade of ML-1, Pakistan is planning to upgrade the ML-2 (Kotri-Attock) and ML-3 (Rohri-Quetta-Taftan) lines, further enhancing the country’s rail network and improving regional connectivity.
2. Integration with SEZs
The establishment of SEZs along CPEC routes will contribute to an increase in rail traffic because these zones will rely on effective rail transport for the movement of goods, which will lead to an increase in employment opportunities in manufacturing and logistics.
3. High-Speed Rail
Due to China’s expertise in high-speed rail technology, there is a chance that high-speed trains will be introduced in Pakistan, connecting major cities and significantly cutting down on travel times.
Strengthening Trade with Central Asia
New rail links with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and even Iran will play a significant role in Pakistan Railways’ future, strengthening its trade potential.
Public-Private Partnerships
As the demand for modern rail services grows, there will be opportunities for public-private partnerships to operate and maintain the railway network. This could bring in additional investment and ensure better management of rail services .
Conclusion
The development of Pakistan Railways under CPEC has been transformative, with significant investments in infrastructure, freight capacity, and safety measures. These improvements have boosted Pakistan’s connectivity and regional trade, provided thousands of jobs, and positioned the country as a key player in the Belt and Road Initiative.
