RAWALPINDI: Punjab government will start feasibility study of glass train from Rawalpindi to Murree and in this regard, it has invited the stakeholders for consultation on Tuesday (tomorrow) in Islamabad.

A senior official of district administration told Dawn that the provincial government formed 18 members working group for Murree rail link and it also gave the task to Nespak to consult with stakeholder to shape up the feasibility study of the project.

Punjab Minister for Transport is chairman of the committee while secretaries of Transport and Masstransit Department, Tourism Archaeology & Museums, Environment Protection & Climate Change,

Planning & Development Board, Communication and Works were its members.

Deputy Commissioners Rawalpindi, Murree, RPO, CPO, Urban Unit, Nespak representatives are also part of the group.

As per terms of reference, the Working Group will discuss the project technology, design, alignment challenges and related matters with the stakeholders in order to develop better understanding about the project contours. It will assist guide the Transport and Masstransit Department for planning a detailed feasibility study for the project and sort out issues in this regard.

“Murree Rail Link will make the hill station pollution free while increasing tourism in the area so people will come to Murree from twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad,” the senior official of district administration told Dawn.

“Apparently, the project is feasible as Murree is situated at a height of over 2,200 metres and during British Raj, rail link was laid to Shimla in 1906 which situated at a height of 2,200 metres,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024