Lahore: Pakistan Railways (PR) has started working on a plan to lay the country’s first standard gauge rail track from Quetta to Taftan to transport high-value goods to Central Asian and European countries in a short period, according to news published on Monday (February 7).
The PR plans to make rail track infrastructure compatible with international standards. As per the details, a 635-kilometre long track will be constructed at the total cost of USD 500 million. The PR will conduct a feasibility study after the approval of the Ministry of Railways. It was mentioned that the department might ask Iran to lay a 95-kilometre long standard gauge rail track from Taftan (Pakistan) to Zahedan (Iran).
A PR official (whose name was not disclosed) stated that the broad gauge is compatible with some countries including Bangladesh and India. However, it is not compatible with the standard gauge rail of Iran, Central Asia, Europe, and Turkey.
Moreover, the standard gauge rail (SGR) will consist of four feet and 8.5 inches in width. The PR decided to lay a standard gauge after learning that Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train takes up to four to five days from Quetta to Zahedan, mainly because of the weak condition of the track from Quetta to Taftan. The laying the standard gauge rail will reduce the travel time and will eliminate the need to transport goods to other wagons.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
