No differences between Federal and Sindh govts over CPEC’s KCR project: Railways Minister

Karachi: Federal Minister for Aviation and Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that there were no differences between the federal and the Sindh provincial governments on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) project.

Speaking to journalists here, he categorically stated that all out efforts would be made to bring the CEPC back on track.

“The Federal and Sindh governments are on the same page with regard to the project of Karachi Circular Railways (KCR),” he maintained.

The minister informed that the matters regarding KCR project and installation of 134 kilometers new train tracks for Thar Coal will be discussed with the Sindh government in a meeting on June 24 (Friday). “We intend to work on the development of track for Thar coal on priority,” he added.

The Railways Minister noted that the encroachers on the KCR track should not be forced to vacate the area but should be given compensation.

Rafique remarked that the expertise to develop roads and highways were available in the country but there was a lack in terms of development of train tracks along with necessary facilities.

The minister contended that the land of railways had been digitized and now the land owned by the Pakistan Railways could be identified easily.

Rafique said that operating railways as a profitable service throughout the world was a tough task as it was also like a public transport.

Rafique underlined that the government only had limited time of around 12 months before elections and during this short period they would strive hard to set the right direction for Pakistan Railways.

The minister claimed that the policy to convert the economy class into air-tight air-conditioned class would also be pursued.

About the Rohri railway station, he underscored that it was a very important location and the station would be developed on priority basis. “Later, another station will also be developed in the interior Sindh, and then development of stations in Karachi would be planned,” he added.

Rafique promised that no compromise would be made on provision of safe and healthy food and cleaning facilities in the trains.

“Curtains would be hanged in the economy class and liquid soap would be provided in the toilets,” he elaborated.