Karachi: The Pakistan Railways has prepared the PC –I to chalk out details of a six-kilometre-long railway track, set to be developed at the Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT), in a bid to facilitate coal transportation at Port Qasim, according to news sources. The PC-I will be presented for Planning Commission’s perusal soon.
This information was revealed to the Supreme Court by Pakistan Railways Divisional Superintendent Karachi Nisar Memon. He expressed his views on the matter during the hearing of a civil application regarding Port Qasim Authority (PQA). He appraised the apex court that the project had been envisaged to improve coal transportation at the port.
Another railway official claimed that the construction of a railway track to connect PIBT and Juma Goth was extremely important. He said that a dedicated track would help bring down the transportation cost of coal and minimise its environmental impact. He added that railway lines were part of the master planning of Port Qasim, and coal transportation through Pakistan Railways will boost its revenue generation.
Upon gaining Planning Commission’s approval, the project will take 12-18 months to be completed.
The court observed that given the gravity of the circumstances, it expects for Planning Commission to review this project of priority basis and approve it so that the railway track is laid as soon as possible. The court gave an 18-month window for the track construction from the date of its approval.
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