May 11, 2007	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1428

RAWALPINDI, May 10: Federal Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Thursday said that Pakistan Railways (PR) planned to run bullet train between Rawalpindi and Lahore to reduce travelling time between the two cities to only 50 to 60 minutes.

Addressing the oath taking ceremony of China Market Traders Association, the minister said that feasibility study for running bullet train would be conducted in two and a half months adding this would bring a revolution in the communication sector.

He said after successful operation of the train between the two cities, the service would be extended to Karachi and other cities gradually.

He said with the introduction of reforms, the passengers number has increased by 2.5 million in Pakistan Railways.

The bullet train would also revolutionalise business of the city by facilitating the traders to cargo their commodities within shortest span of time, he said adding that government was committed to facilitating the business community as it considers it vital for the country’s progress and prosperity.

He said PR also planned to run mass transit train in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad adding that two railway stations would be built, one at Chaklala and another at Lohi Bher to facilitate the people.

He said that latest machinery was being imported to carry out development work on Sheikh Rashid Expressway along the banks of Nullah Leh adding that the thoroughfare would boost the city’s economy.

He said the expressway would not only help increase income of the poor living along Nullah Leh but would also provide jobs to unemployed youth.—APP