KARACHI:
Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi announced on Monday that work on the 480-kilometre-long Rohri-Karachi line will begin in September at an estimated cost of $2 billion.
The minister was addressing a ceremony held in Karachi to mark the initial commencement of Pakistan Railways Karachi Campus of the International School, which aims to provide world-class education within a framework of national partnership and common growth.
Governor Sindh Nehal Hashmi, Railway Secretary Mazahar Ali Shah, General Manager Hafeezullah, Managing Director Rubina Nasir, TIS CEO Taymur Mirza and others attended the ceremony.
Explaining the measures to improve the Rohri-Karachi section of the double main line, the minister said that it is the most difficult track built in the 1860s. The prime minister has decided to rejuvenate the 480-kilometre-long Rohri-Karachi track at an estimated cost of $2 billion and the foundation stone for the work is expected to be laid in September this year.
The minister elaborated various measures for the improvement of stations, platforms and other railway facilities and informed that the complete digitalization process of Pakistan Railways was underway and will be completed within a month.
Abbasi said Pakistan Railways and the Punjab Government had signed an agreement to modernize and expand railway services across the province. The project included development of express and regional routes in the province and introduction of modern, state-of-the-art trains, while the Punjab government will provide advanced diesel multiple unit (DMU) locomotives.
Referring to the escalating situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s diplomatic role in easing tension, the minister said Pakistan had become the center of attention of the entire world.
We not only averted a conflict between two brotherly countries – Saudi Arabia and Iran – but also averted the start of World War III through successful efforts of diplomacy and mediation that the world will remember forever, he noted and attributed the achievement to the martyrs and personnel of the brave armed forces of Pakistan.
Abbasi said Pakistan will soon begin development of a railway link connecting Central Asia and Europe through Iran. Work on the 900-kilometre-long Rohri-Naukundi stretch has already been started as per the Prime Minister’s directives and the tender process for laying new railway tracks on the 87-kilometre Naukundi-Taftan stretch has been initiated.
Replying to a question, he maintained that a project to connect Thar Coal with the railway line was underway and the track from Islamkot to Chhor is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that railways are not only the most important and cheapest source of travel for the common man but also connect the entire Pakistan and the culture, languages and hearts of people belonging to different regions of the country.
With APP input
