DP World initiates Pipri Freight corridor to strengthen Pakistan’s trade links

DP World, in partnership with Pakistan Railways and the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), has launched construction of a Dedicated Freight Corridor and a Multimodal Logistics Park at Pipri, a move aimed at significantly improving cargo connectivity between Karachi’s ports and Pakistan’s inland markets.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held at Pipri and attended by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, DP World Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, along with senior officials from Pakistan Railways, NLC and port authorities.

The project is designed to create an integrated rail-linked logistics hub that will enhance the efficiency, reliability and speed of both import and export cargo movements. By combining rail, road and port operations at a single location, the initiative is expected to streamline supply chains and improve end-to-end cargo handling.

Under the first phase, a 52-kilometre rail corridor linking Karachi Port with the Marshalling Yard at Pipri will be rehabilitated. This will be complemented by the development of a modern multimodal logistics park offering a range of services, including warehousing, container stuffing and de-stuffing, cargo consolidation and other value-added logistics solutions. Phase one of the project is targeted for completion within four months.

Once operational, the corridor is expected to ease congestion at Karachi’s ports and on surrounding road networks by shifting a significant share of container movements from road to rail. The shift is also projected to reduce logistics costs and transit times, cut carbon emissions, and help extend the lifespan of road infrastructure. In addition, the Pipri hub will facilitate smoother cargo flows to and from China, Central Asia and other regional markets, while consolidated handling at the site is expected to improve overall supply chain turnaround times.

Commenting on the development, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the initiative underscores DP World’s long-term commitment to building world-class trade infrastructure and resilient supply chains. He added that the integration of rail, road and port assets through the Pipri Dedicated Freight Corridor and Multimodal Logistics Park will enhance trade efficiency, promote more sustainable logistics solutions and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a key regional trade gateway.