by Shafqat Ali 

 

ISLAMABAD, August 26 (Gwadar Pro)- Pakistani Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar announced on Wednesday that the groundbreaking of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project would take place by next month.

 

Chairing a meeting to review the latest status of KCR and Railways Freight Corridor projects here, Asad Umar directed Pakistan Railways to fulfill all the codal formalities at the earliest and ensure to make all the necessary arrangements for the groundbreaking of KCR infrastructure by September 2021.

 

During the meeting, the Minister was briefed on KCR and informed that the KCR envisages construction of a 43-km long world-class affordable mass transit system using environment-friendly electric trains. Secretary Railway informed that the Karachi Circular Railway project was on track as per the timelines given by the ministry.

 

He said simultaneous work on Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) would result in months of time saving and completion of the project. “So, the Railway shall expedite the consultation with P3A,” he added.

 

It was reported that the Project was expected to facilitate 40 percent of the cargo meant to be transported upcountry. Further, the plan has been submitted to PPP Authority for its approval. 

 

Federal Minister Asad Umar directed that corridor must be designed to optimize the level-of-service outcome, and in addition to the financial costs, the destination time has to be reduced as well.

 

Umar also directed all concerned officials to ensure the completion of the projects within the timelines, as these projects were crucial for the socio-economic well-being of the people of Karachi.

 

Federal Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati and senior government officials participated in the meeting.

 

This article originally appeared on Gwadar Pro.