ISLAMABAD: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad on Tuesday said that Pakistan fully backed the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
“Besides upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1), we also require Chinese assistance in other projects,” he said while talking to a delegation of Chinese Railways officials in Islamabad.
The minister said a long term plan was also being prepared for the development of Pakistan Railways. He said the railways would soon launch two new trains which will be inaugurated by the prime minister.
Read More: Pakistan Railways is backbone of CPEC, says Sheikh Rasheed
The Chinese delegation assured full cooperation for bringing improvement in Pakistan Railways.
Earlier, the federal minister said Pakistan Railways was the backbone of the CPEC project.
“Unfortunately, no work has been done in the past in the railways under the CPEC,” he complained.
Pakistan Railways has vowed to provide 10,000 jobs very soon on merit.
Sheikh Rasheed said PR has the potential to generate maximum revenue which could contribute huge amounts to alleviate national debts.
He said PR would soon begin train service reaching Rawalpindi to Lahore in three and a half hours.
He said 60 per cent population inhabits along the railways tracks whereas all railways routes would be made environment friendly.
The minister said 660 passenger coaches were outdated which would be upgraded. “Wi-Fi and passenger tracking systems are going to be introduced in trains for public convenience and safety”, he said.
He said PR is going to sign coal agreement with Jamshoro Power Plant. He resented the freight rail performance and said it would be upgraded into one window operation within 15 days.
“Pakistan Railways’ success is nation’s success and it has dedicated officials who want to improve its performance and PR would soon give good news”, he remarked.
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