Islamabad, December 28, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Senate Standing Committee on Railways in its meeting on Tuesday, at Parliament House discussed in detail the proposed PSDP plan and future strategies of Pakistan Railways. The Committee also ratified Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman as member of the Railway Advisory Committee.

Chaired by Senator Muhammad Qasim, the meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and senior officers of the Ministry of Railways along with all concerned. Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati was also present.

While reviewing details of the PSDP tentative allocation of PKR 35 billion for 2022-23, Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati informed the Committee of the strides that Pakistan Railways had made in the last 10 months. He urged the Committee to fully support the PSDP so that the Railways could be revived in Pakistan. He added that if the provinces played their part, the sector could be revolutionized spreading business and trade opportunities far and wide.

The Committee was informed of plans to develop the Afghan/Pakistan transit trade route. Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati said that tourism would be enhanced if historical railway routes and stations are revived. Discussing the PKR 220 billion Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) Project in Karachi, Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati informed the Committee once completed this would revolutionize domestic travel in the Metropolis. He said that seed money has been arranged and that completion of the project will take 36 months.

Discussing future plans the Committee was informed that Pakistan Railways would dynamically pursue the expansion of routes and take these beyond borders. It planned to develop Chaman /Kandahar route and the Havelian /Kashghar route that will promote international trade. The Committee lauded the effort s of the Ministry, despite lack of funds and assured it of its complete support.

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