LAHORE, Nov 10: Work to link Gwadar port with the railways network will be started within a year, and the feasibility of the project is being prepared.

This was stated by Minister of State for Railways Ishaq Khakwani after inaugurating the attachment of the lower class airconditioned coach to Farid Express at the railway station here on Wednesday.

Railways Minister Shamim Haider, General Manager Aurangzeb Khan, the AGM passengers and the divisional superintendent were also present on the occasion.

Mr Khakwani said the freight business would increase by 30 per cent this year. "We have obtained a sufficient freight business. The transportation of wheat to Balochistan and the NWFP is being carried out by the railways," he said.

The rail track dualization project, he said, would be completed according to the schedule. The railways service had improved considerably with the induction of modern coaches imported from China, and steps were being taken to further improve the travelling facilities.