Pak-China likely to ink MoU for rail link

[Zaki]

Pak-China likely to ink MoU for rail link

Tuesday, 06 Jul, 2010

Pakistan and China have already completed a pre-feasibility report for rail link. — File Photo

LAHORE: Pakistan and China will likely ink a MoU for rail link between Havelian and Khunjerab.

The General Manager Railways (operation) Ishfaq Khattak has immediately left for China to join the official delegation of President Asif Ali Zardari for this purpose.

According to railways sources the GM operation left for China on Sunday for 12 days visit.

Pakistan and China have already completed a pre-feasibility report for rail link.

The total railway track would consist on 682 Km and there would be 20 railway stations at all major cities in Pakistani side, report revealed.

Chief Engineer Survey & Construction of Pakistan Railways told that the pre-feasibility report had completed by two international consulting companies including Ding Dona and ILF Consulting Engineering but no progress had made after 2004.

He said if two countries would be agreed for a MoU during the presidential visit an international consortium would be constituted for feasibility study and PCI.

After completing Havelian-Khunjerab track, China would link with Pakistan from Gawadar Port, he added.

[Neo]

India concerned over Sino-Pak rail link

NEW DELHI (July 08 2010): India on Wednesday expressed "concern" over China's plans to have a rail link with Pakistan through the Karakoram ranges. "It is definitely a matter of concern. But we are taking our counter measures and we are doing our own preparation," Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju told reporters here. Raju said both China and Pakistan had made it "very apparent" that they were "working closely together and co-operating closely" on defence and strategic issues.

Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]