LAHORE: China is willing to invest $3.80bn in various projects of the Pakistan Railways (PR).

“Beijing will play a pivotal role to modernise and upgrade the PR on a sustainable basis,” said Chinese Vice Minister Mr Lu Dong Fu, who headed a 13-member railways delegation of his country, during a visit to the PR headquarters here on Tuesday.

Mr Fu said his country would extend all-out assistance and support to the PR and provide modern locomotives, state-of-the-art signaling and communication systems besides upgrade of rail track. He said all projects would be completed within the stipulated time.

Earlier, members of Chinese delegation explained to the PR principal officers the plans their country has to modernise Pakistan Railways.

PR Chief Executive Officer Javed Anwar said work on the joint ventures would begin shortly, including upgrade of rail network between Karachi and Havelian. A modern dry port at Havelian was also being constructed.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2015

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