Railways Ministry seeks to replace old fleet

A delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) has shown interest in the up-gradation of Pakistan Railways.

The delegation, headed by Transport Specialist Ko Sakamovo, had a meeting with the Ministry of Railways on Tuesday, local media reported. Pakistan Railways showed interest if ADB can help in replacing its old fleet of locomotives in next 10 years and procurement of passenger and freight wagons.

Meanwhile, the delegation informed the Railway Ministry that ADB is providing technical assistance to the ministry through Pakistan Railways Strategic Plan. Pakistan Railways also showed interest in upgrading ML 2, ML 3, branch lines (Shangla and Shorkot Section) and connectivity of Gwadar to Besima through railway line.

Earlier, the ministry had slashed the Chinese investment in railways by $2 billion citing a huge burden of loans, giving credence to reports that the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan may scrutinise the multi-billion dollar CPEC.