LAHORE: Azam Khan Swati, the Federal Minister for Railways, has said that e-tracking of cargo trains will begin shortly, and that a cargo centre will be built in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat region in conjunction with the business sector.
On Friday, the minister met with the president and members of the Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and informed them that Pakistan Railways (PR) was ready to partner with the private sector in joint ventures.
Meanwhile, LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah expressed optimism that the situation will drastically improve following the completion of the ML-1 project during the meeting.
“Pakistan Railways is a vital mode of transportation, and rail cargo service is less expensive than other options,” stated the minister. He went on to remark that by providing improved services, the business community will profit more and company costs will be reduced.
He explained that, in recent years, due to the lack of cargo waggons, traders have had to transport products by truck, which is often three times more expensive than railway freight service. “Because the CPEC is expected to boost economic activity, the railway track will need to be rebuilt. To modernise Pakistan Railways, new initiatives should be initiated in conjunction with the business sector, according to Swati.
Misbah notified the minister that both bonded and non-bonded containers were utilised for transportation, but PR should only utilise bonded containers and load bonded containers if there is any extra room.
“Merchants are granted five to seven days to clear consignments, which should be increased to fifteen days,” the minister said, adding that shipments are delayed owing to slow cargo trains, and traders must face the demurrages. “Merchants are granted five to seven days to clear consignments, which should be increased to fifteen days,” the minister said, adding that shipments are delayed owing to slow cargo trains, and traders must face the demurrages.
Cargo trains were accessible two to three days a week at the Lahore Dry Port, but the service had been discontinued, causing complications, he said. He went on to say, “The service should be restored.”
Cargo trains were accessible two to three days a week at the Lahore Dry Port, but the service had been discontinued, causing complications, he said. He went on to say, “The service should be restored.”
The meeting’s participants voiced concern about railway accidents and suggested that the central traffic management system be enhanced to prevent them.
Source: profit.pakistantoday
