Pakistan: Punjab Begins Glass Train Project From Rawalpindi to Murree

The Punjab government has taken a step forward by forming a working group consisting of 18 different departments to prepare for a new glass train project. This train will run between Rawalpindi and Bhurban in Murree, with work beginning on the initial phase, Project Concept One (PC-1).

The transport minister of Punjab has been selected to lead this group, including the Rawalpindi commissioner, the deputy commissioners of both Rawalpindi and Murree, as well as various other department heads.

This 65-kilometer train route will start from Saddar in Rawalpindi and travel through scenic spots such as the Margalla Hills and Barakahu, ending at Bhurban Murree. The project is being developed as part of the broader Murree Development Plan.

The National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) has been given the responsibility of conducting a feasibility study to assess the project’s viability.

As per officials involved, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally approved the project on June 29, 2024, during a meeting to discuss the Murree Development Plan.

Following the approval, the Punjab Transport Department was tasked with quickly preparing a feasibility study and estimating the costs involved. This led to the creation of a multi-departmental working group under the transport minister’s leadership.

Further details shared by officials highlight that the glass train will connect Rawalpindi to Murree Bhurban, covering 65 kilometers. NESCOM has already begun working on the feasibility study, which will determine the costs and timeline once PC-1 is completed. Drone footage has also been captured to assist with the planning.

The train route is set to pass through the Margalla and Barakahu areas, though more stations may be added after the final PC-1 plan is completed. The working group has also been tasked with identifying challenges like acquiring land for the train tracks and stations. They are expected to provide solutions and submit a report on the total project cost, ensuring that the project is completed efficiently with minimal spending.

Reference Link:- https://propakistani.pk/2024/09/12/punjab-begins-glass-train-project-from-rawalpindi-to-murree/

Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan Founder & Chair, Global Silk Route Research Alliance

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.…

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