Lahore: Interim Federal Minister for Communication, Railways & Maritime Shahid Ashraf Tarar stated that government is seeking investment for the Multan-Lahore section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) through a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) approach, a news source reported on August 18.
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The federal minister shared this decision while Secretary/Chairman Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah briefed him on various aspects of railway service delivery, operational efficiency, financial matters, and administrative concerns.
Additionally, Federal Minister Tarar stressed that the safety of passengers remains paramount. He emphasized that all train operations must prioritize passenger safety, prompting the Pakistan Railways to take immediate measures in this regard. All relevant departments responsible for train safety are urged to initiate safety audits and assessments promptly. A comprehensive report outlining identified gaps, corrective actions, and recommendations is expected to be submitted within a span of 7 days.
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Tarar further emphasized the significance of ML-1, which stands as a crucial component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He asserted the proactive advancement of the ML-1 project to ensure its prompt implementation.