KARACHI, March 30: The Prime Minister’s Implementation Committee on Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) met here on Thursday and discussed matters relating to speedy implementation of decisions regarding the completion of first phase of circular railway which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in April 2005.
The meeting, presided over by State Minister for Railways Ishaq Khan Khakwani, was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Development, Secretary Transport, DG Mass Transit representing City Nazim, DS Railways and Project Director.
In the meeting, the contract for sale of tickets on circular railway system was awarded to the new contractor following expiry of term of the previous one. The contract was given at 30 per cent enhanced offer being the highest bid.
“This indicates the great patronization of Karachi Circular Railway”, said Mr Khakwani while talking to APP after the meeting.
In the meeting funds were allocated for refurbishment of existing coaches as these were being used by commuters for the last one year so that quality and standard of facilities being provided is maintained for comfort of commuters.
The committee allocated Rs 2 million for renovation of coaches at Railway Carriage Workshop.
The committee also approved the construction of a new station near M W Tower, which will be named as Tower Station.
It approved the registration of Karachi Urban Transport Company (KUTC) with the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan for which funds amounting Rs 10 million were sanctioned. The Company will have an authorized capital of Rs 10 billion.
Funds amounting to Rs 5.2 million were also allocated for uplift of a portion of the KCR Track.
For second phase of the Project, the Japanese and Chinese have shown their interest in the project. In view of this, funds were allocated for setting up befitting offices of the company for which space will be provided in the Divisional Superintendent Head Office.
Khakwani told APP that work on second phase will start shortly for which paraphernalia is being set up.
The Rs 600 million dollar second phase project envisages revival of KCR for operation of high speed trains with overhead electrification, modern stations and spurs connecting Quaid-i-Azam International airport with Drigh Road station and Pakistan Railway’s network for which Chinese and Japanese companies have already shown their interest.—APP
