Work on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project will commence in January 2027, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced on Saturday, noting that the vital venture had suffered inordinate delays.

Addressing a press conference, Abbasi said the project had finally entered its final stage. "The ML-1 project will transform Pakistan Railways," he maintained, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is closely monitoring progress and "we will meet public expectations."

In a separate development, the minister announced the phased restoration of suspended train services, including the Mohenjo Daro Express and a route linking Sialkot to Rawalpindi, acting on the prime minister's directives.

The Mohenjo Daro Express will resume operations on September 15, while the Sialkot-Rawalpindi service is scheduled for October 15. The railway administration has been directed to complete necessary logistical arrangements, with the minister assuring that all closed routes will be restored progressively.