The government has approved a PC-II of Rs 135.5 million to carry out feasibility studies of proposed rail link between Gwadar and other parts of the country for which funding would be provided in next fiscal year.
The actual ground work would commence after completion of the feasibility studies. According to Pakistan Railways, the project could be completed by 2017-18 provided the financial and economic viability of the scheme is established and availability of requisite funds is ensured as determined in feasibility study.
These proposals are also a part of China-Pak Economic Corridor framework. The department said there were two proposals under consideration to establish new rail links between Gwadar and other parts in connection with China-Pak Economic Corridor.
The first proposal is to link Gwadar with Karachi along Makran Coastal Highway (700 km) and second proposal is to link Gwadar with Jacobabad via Turbat, Punjgur, Besima and Khuzdar (1048 km). The Department further informed that projects for purchase of new locomotives are in process.
Under a project for procurement/manufacture of 75 DE locomotives, an international tender for procurement of material for manufacture of 20 DE locomotives (2000-25000 HP) in CKD condition has been floated and scheduled to open on Wednesday (May 28).
The remaining 55 DE locomotives of (4000-4500 HP) will be procured in CBU condition. Moreover, under rehabilitation of 27 (HGMU-30) DE locomotives, the contract agreement amounting to Rs 5.108 billion has been signed.