While addressing the media at a press conference on Thursday, the Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique has stated that the Railway Pakistan needs enormous $30 billion over a period of next 12 years to be at par with the international standards.
ML-1: Karachi to Peshawar Railway Track
After the authorization of new framework under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the budget for Railways will increment from $5.7 billion to $8.2 billion. Under CPEC, main line (ML-1) will hold plenty of significance strategically. Subsequently, China has decided to offer long-term loan for upgrading Karachi to Peshawar railway track.
It is expected that the ML-1 project would be accomplished within the next five years. Additionally, the project will be officially inked in next Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). As soon as ML-1 will be upgraded, the speed of the train will augment from 120 km/hour to 160 km/hour. Moreover, the train volume will also be increased to 171 trains per day from current 32.
The first feasibility report of ML-1 upgradation is already completed with own resources, as per Khawaja Saad. As far as the second report is concerned, it would be prepared by May 2017.
Working Groups and Other Projects
Both China and Pakistan have established strong cordial relations with each other over the past few years. Both countries have developed working groups for dialogue on the upgrading of the railway line. Discussions and negotiations will get underway from the mid of current month.
According to Khawaja Saad, following three projects have been included in the CPEC:
1- Karachi Circular Railway
2- Peshawar Mass Transit
3- Quetta Mass Transit
The Minister further went on to confirm that the execution of all these projects would be made possible via using the infrastructure of Pakistan Railways. Moreover, he also ensured government’s complete backing and support including self-governing assurance and technical support for the execution of the aforementioned projects. In addition, he stressed that the Karachi Circular Railway has been handed over to Transport Working Group. It is expected to be approved in the upcoming JCC.
Pakistan Railways Require Gigantic Investment for its Upgradation
Since ML-1 is 1600 kilometer out of Pakistan’s total railway track of 12,000 kilometer, it requires vast investment for its upgradation. While announcing the projects after projects at the press conference, Khawaja Saad also publicized that Pakistan Railways will kick off an extraordinary operation of its history for the Sahiwal Coal project. Karachi to Sahiwal project is likely to commence from the end of this month.
It is anticipated that the aforesaid project will boost the level of income in Pakistan Railways. As far as arrangements are concerned, railways have been super efficient as they have completed introduction of new trains and tracks. With the passage of time, the number of trains operated will be enlarged from 1-2 to 4-5, the minister added.
He further stated that the feasibility report of Islamabad-Muzaffarabad Railway project is also complete. However, the project requires an estimated sum of Rs. 175 billion. To attain this whopping amount, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is currently in talks with foreign companies for investing in the project.
In the next 3 months, the shipment of all 55 locomotives obtained would be completed. Khawaja Saad ended the conversation by stating that 7 trains are already on their way.
With all this hubbub of investment and lofty goals, do you think the fate of Pakistan Railways is going to be transformed in the upcoming years?
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