ISLAMABAD,: A senior delegation from China Media Group visited Margallah Railway Station to see the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as part of the 10 years of celebrations of CPEC projects, specifically the Green Line Train.

The event was held to highlight the advanced Chinese technology and expertise used in the train, emphasising the beneficial impact of China-Pakistan cooperation. The delegation comprised newsmen and representatives of manufacturing companies who conversed with the passengers about the facilities in the train, during their brief travel from Islamabad to Rawalpindi.

The passangers appreciated the facilities provided and said that the train has made long distance travelling hassle-free and that the journey from Islamabad to Karachi had particularly become easier.

An official of Pakistan Railways said the train comprises two coaches of air conditioned (AC) business class, one coach of parlour, two AC Standards and two coaches of economy class. He also said that most people preferred to travel to Islamabad, Lahore and Karchi through green line due to its better standard.

He also said that the timings of the train were being maintained. The official said that the minister also directed the official concerned to reduce the travel time of the Green Line from Lahore to Karachi to less than 23 hours which would further restore the confidence of the passengers in the national railways.

“It has also been decided to provide the best travelling facilities in the Green Line train including the provision of high-quality food and keeping the ticket price at an affordable level. Besides, a separate LCD will be installed on each seat of the AC Parlor to let passengers enjoy favourite videos through headphones,” he added.

He further said that the train is non-stop and stopped at major stations, including Lahore, Khanewal, Hyderabad, Bahawalpur and Karachi, adding that the train had a capacity to run at 160 kilometer per hour, however, it runs at 90 km per hour from Rawalpindi to Lahore and from Lahore, nine coaches get added in green line and run at 140 km per hours.

Pakistan Railways made special arrangements on Margallah Railway Station and Rawalpindi Railway Station to welcome the delegation and gave detail briefing about the Green Line Train.

Divisional Superintendent Inam Ullah welcomed the delegation and presented the souvenir. He also informed them about the future plans of Pakistan Railways for CPEC.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2023