Pakistan: Murree Glass Train Will be More Than a Simple Tourist Attraction
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
The Murree Glass Train project, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism in Pakistan, promises year-round accessibility to scenic destinations, creating significant opportunities for economic growth and regional development.
The first phase of the project involves the construction of a 55-kilometer railway track, connecting Islamabad’s Margalla Railway Station to Bhara Kahu, Phurwaha Mor, Ghora Gali, Jhika Gali, and Bhurban. Scheduled for feasibility completion by April 30, 2025, the project is being conducted by the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak). Once approved, it will proceed to international tendering under a public-private partnership model to ensure financial sustainability.
With safety features, including a cog-and-pinion rack system to handle steep inclines, the train is designed for reliable operations even during snowfall. Its gradual elevation adjustments, rising one foot every 12 feet, align with global engineering standards.
Experts, including transportation specialist Ashfaq Khattak, stress that the Glass Train project offers benefits beyond tourism. The proposed expansion to Muzaffarabad aims to increase regional economic activity and enhance transportation networks, further strengthening Pakistan’s connectivity.
Environmental sustainability remains a key focus. The project incorporates ecological assessments to minimize its impact on natural landscapes, balancing infrastructure development with preservation efforts. Authorities view this approach as vital to ensuring long-term success without compromising the region’s natural beauty.
The Glass Train project is expected to create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and set a benchmark for future transportation initiatives in Pakistan.
Reference Link:- https://propakistani.pk/2024/12/30/murree-glass-train-will-be-more-than-a-simple-tourist-attraction-experts/
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
