Reko Diq to Gwadar Rail Project Set for 2028
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled an ambitious plan to connect Reko Diq, a mineral-rich area in Balochistan, to Gwadar Port through a direct railway line by 2028. The strategic initiative aims to maximise the economic potential of the Reko Diq copper-gold project while transforming logistics and regional connectivity.
During a high-level meeting focused on infrastructure and mineral development, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Reko Diq project must be integrated with broader national goals. “This project isn't only about extraction; it's about efficient logistics, export capacity, and economic uplift,” he stated.
The proposed railway is expected to significantly reduce transport distances and costs, providing a faster and more direct route to international markets via Gwadar Port. Officials were instructed to accelerate feasibility studies, clear bureaucratic obstacles, and ensure timelines are met for rapid implementation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also urged improvements in road infrastructure across adjacent districts, highlighting the importance of inclusive development, job creation, and public-private partnerships. The government aims to create a value chain that benefits local communities and strengthens Balochistan’s integration with the national economy.
With Reko Diq set to begin production in the near future, the rail link is poised to not only enhance export capacity but also ignite economic momentum in one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions.