Archive · 23 Aug 2025
ADB to Fund Pakistan Railway Upgrade After China Delays
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing $2 billion to upgrade the railway in Pakistan.
This replaces China's delayed funding.
The upgrade is critical for moving copper ore from the Reko Diq mine, starting production in 2028.
The railway from Karachi to Rohri will be modernized for faster trains.
The ADB is also providing funds for the Reko Diq mine.
China and Pakistan aim to deepen ties and move on to other projects.
ADB will finance a $2 billion upgrade of Pakistan's Karachi-Rohri railway.
China's financing for the railway upgrade faced prolonged delays.
The project is crucial for transporting copper ore from the Reko Diq mine.
The 500-km railway will be modernized to allow faster train operations.
The ADB deal is expected to be announced later this month.
- Who
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB), China, Pakistan government, and Barrick Mining Corp are involved.
- What
- ADB will finance a $2 billion upgrade of the Karachi-Rohri railway line.
- When
- The ADB deal is expected to be announced later this month; Reko Diq mine production is expected to start in 2028.
- Where
- The railway line is from Karachi to Rohri in Pakistan, near the Reko Diq mine.
- Why
- The upgrade is needed to transport copper ore from the Reko Diq mine, addressing delays in securing Chinese financing.
China's Stalled Financing
ADB's Intervention
Project Financing
China's Stalled Financing
Delays in Chinese financing for railway projects.
ADB's Intervention
ADB's financing offers a solution.
- Project Value
- $2 billion
- Railway Line
- Karachi to Rohri (500 km)
- ADB Financing
- $2 billion
- Mine
- Reko Diq copper and gold mine
- Expected Production Start
- 2028
- Key Players
- ADB, Barrick Mining Corp, Pakistan Government
Sources
The troubled history of Pakistan's Reko Diq copper mine in Balochistan
Exclusive-ADB to back Pakistan rail upgrade as China financing stalls, sources say
Pakistan set to get ADB finance for rail upgrade that China was to fund but didn't