Pakistan Unveils New Rail Links to Boost Economy
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi announced completing new rail links on Friday. These projects connect regions and enhance transport efficiency. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
During a press conference, Abbasi highlighted traders’ enthusiasm for moving goods across Pakistan via rail. However, he acknowledged current limitations, yet promised these connections will aid businesses and tourism.
Abbasi emphasized that rail transport offers a cost-effective solution compared to other methods. Consequently, goods trains will generate higher revenues and support the economy significantly.
He also revealed plans to finalize the ML-1 project, a critical national priority. If friendly nations assist, progress accelerates; otherwise, Pakistan Railways will independently complete it.
Condemning the recent Jaffar Express attack, Abbasi united the nation against terrorism firmly. He confirmed foreign involvement and vowed a strong response to the Balochistan Liberation Army.
Security forces swiftly neutralized all terrorists, including nine suicide bombers, involved in the attack. Moreover, Abbasi declared that terrorists fleeing to Afghanistan will face relentless pursuit.
To boost regional ties, Pakistan explores a new Pakistan-Afghanistan rail link to Central Asia. This ambitious Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan project already has a signed memorandum of understanding.
New Rail Links Drive Economic Growth
Pakistan Railways awarded a contract for the 105-kilometer Tharparkar Railway to link coal mines. Officials expect this project, aligning with economic goals, to finish by October 2025.
Both Sindh and federal governments will fund this transformative railway initiative fully. The project includes a 105-kilometer track and a 24.58-kilometer loop-line for efficiency.
This network will transport 10 million tons of coal annually, slashing fuel import costs. Experts predict annual savings of $1.5 billion, shifting power generation to cheaper Thar coal.
New Rail Links Strengthen Infrastructure
Seven new railway stations with 14 platforms will enhance the route’s accessibility greatly. Two major hubs at Thar mines and New Chhor will anchor this development.
Experts project savings of $1.5 billion annually by reducing reliance on imported fuel. Thus, railway upgrades will modernize Pakistan’s infrastructure and economy effectively.
Reference Link:- https://www.railway.supply/en/pakistan-unveils-new-rail-links-to-boost-economy/
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.…
