AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
KARACHI: Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways, Mehmood ur Rehman Lakho, has emphasized the urgent need to shift Karachi’s substantial cargo load from roadways to railways. Addressing a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Lakho highlighted that 99 percent of the nation’s cargo currently passes through Karachi, straining the city’s road infrastructure and urging a strategic pivot to rail freight.
Lakho’s visit to KCCI aimed to explore the enhancement of rail freight connectivity from Karachi to key industrial hubs across Pakistan. He outlined how rail transport, being more fuel-efficient, could mitigate carbon emissions, save foreign exchange, and alleviate highway congestion. The meeting was attended by senior railway officials and KCCI representatives, all focused on revitalizing freight services.
The Divisional Superintendent pointed to significant upgrades in Pakistan Railways’ freight operations, noting the addition of over 1,400 hopper wagons, 2,000 high-capacity flat wagons, and 55 modern locomotives between 2013 and 2015. These enhancements have increased payload capacities substantially, allowing trains to carry over 4,000 tons of cargo.
Concerns were raised over delays in the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is crucial for improving Pakistan’s rail infrastructure. Lakho also revealed plans to reconnect Karachi with Moscow via a transnational rail corridor, potentially opening new export markets.
Exploring modern logistics, Lakho discussed multimodal freight movement, dedicated industrial cargo trains, and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) wagons, which would improve efficiency and reduce road congestion. He expressed readiness to collaborate with KCCI to prioritize freight routes connecting Karachi with major cities.
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the Businessmen Group, praised the efforts to bridge the gap between Pakistan Railways and the business sector. He lamented the decline of railways due to neglect and the resulting increase in logistics costs and road deterioration, emphasizing the need for a robust rail network to support Karachi’s industries.
Jawed Bilwani, President of KCCI, stressed the strategic imperative of reviving rail cargo operations for Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted the challenges posed by Karachi’s overburdened road infrastructure, advocating for dedicated cargo trains to support industrial zones and enhance export competitiveness.
Bilwani proposed a joint working committee between KCCI and Pakistan Railways to oversee freight service pilots and address logistical challenges, aiming for a collaborative approach to reinvigorate the rail freight sector.