Karachi Circular Railway To Be on Track by 2013

KARACHI: The work on the revival of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) would start in 2010 and it would start operation for public in three years. According to KCR project director, on completion of the project, an international operator of repute would be appointed for operation and maintenance of KCR on the pattern of the successful role model of Singapore Mass Rail Transit.

The donor Japan International Cooperation Agency had sponsored a final study Special Assistance for Project Formation for the project and the final report was received in April 2009 with modified estimated cost from $872.316 million to $1558.8 million. As per the study, the route length of KCR would be 43.12km: elevated track increased to 22.49km, about 4km tunnel and 16.63km on ground. app

China Unveils 'World's Fastest Train Link'

BEIJING (AFP) – China on Saturday unveiled what it billed as the fastest rail link in the world -- a train connecting the modern cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan at an average speed of 350 kilometres (217 miles) an hour.

The super-high-speed train reduces the 1,069 kilometre journey to a three hour ride and cuts the previous journey time by more than seven and a half hours, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Work on the project began in 2005 as part of plans to expand a high-speed network aimed at eventually linking Guangzhou, a business hub in southern China near Hong Kong, with the capital Beijing, Xinhua added.

"The train can go 394.2 kilometres per hour, it's the fastest train in operation in the world," Zhang Shuguang, head of the transport bureau at the railways ministry, told Xinhua.

Test runs for the service began earlier in December and the link officially went into service when the first scheduled train left the eastern metropolis of Wuhan on Saturday.

By comparison, the average for high-speed trains in Japan was 243 kilometres per hour while in France it was 277 kilometres per hour, said Xu Fangliang, general engineer in charge of designing the link, according to Xinhua.

Beijing has an ambitious rail development programme aimed at increasing the national network from the current 86,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres, making it the most extensive rail system outside the United States.

China unveiled its first high-speed line at the time of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 -- a service linking the capital with the port city of Tianjin.

In September, officials said they planned to build 42 high-speed lines by 2012 in a massive system overhaul as part of efforts to spur economic growth amid the global downturn.

The network uses technology developed in co-operation with foreign firms such as Siemens, Bombardier and Alstom.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8431486.stm?ls

Bad News about Lahore Mass Transit System

At last Mr. Shahbaz Sharif Govenment finally abondon this wonderful project by ignoring the T.A Assistance the T.A Loan offer from ADB whic was $6 million ......... The bank is now going to shift this money to other country's projects ........... very sad .............


Mr Sharif when stuck against something ........... he will abolish it ........... without reconsidering or looking into the importance of any project .......... Very sad ....... keep it up ........ Ya he got a good job of demolition .............. I dont know where in the world the constructed buildings are demolished ........... when they are constructed no matter legal or illegal ...........

First Tourist Train to Run on December 24

ISLAMABAD (December 21 2009): Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour will inaugurate and launch the first tourist train between Rawalpindi and Taxila to promote rail tourism among domestic as well as foreign tourists throughout the country in a phased process.

Under this project, the accessibility of tourists, students and the general public to the renowned historical places would be made easy, focused, recreational-cum-study oriented and comfortable, said an official here. He said in the first phase of the project, first tourist train will be run on December 24 from Rawalpindi station to Taxila and on the same day, it will be back. Minister for Railways and Secretary/Chairman Railways will also travel in the tourist train from Rawalpindi to Golara Sharif Railway Station, the official added. "The scope of this tourist train would be extended phase wise in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to Attock Khurd, Wahga, Changa Manga, Qasur, Harrapa (Sahiwal) Multan, Drawar fort (Bahawalpur) etc."

The official further said the availability of chartered and steam engine trains are also being made possible to promote the concept of tourist train. These chartered and steam trains would be available in addition to regular train service. "Pakistan Railways is jointly working with the Ministry of Tourism at federal and provincial level to implement this concept in letter and spirit," he informed. He expressed hope that the initiative will also bring a positive socio economic change as a whole, especially for the local population located at the historical places.

Qatar - Bahrain Rail Link

New plans to build a super-fast railway will see many of the Gulf states linked together for the first time.

Governments from all six Arab states have agreed to build the 2000 km (1243 miles) rail network, with work due to start in 2011, with completion expected in 2017.

Recently, the governments of Qatar and Bahrain agreed to build the Bahrain Causeway, which will be the longest in the world.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8409581.stm

Energy, Transport, Agriculture Sectors: Pakistan, France to Ink Deals Next Year

KARACHI (December 10 2009): Pakistan and France would sign agreements in energy (hydro), transport, urban environment and agriculture sectors next year. Though the trade volume between the two nations remained below 1 billion dollar this year, this initiative would extend bilateral trade beyond par.

This was said by Daniel Jounneau, Ambassador of France in Pakistan, during an award distribution ceremony the "6th Pakistan France Trade Performance Awards 2007-09" which was organised by Pakistan France Business Alliance (PFBA) at a local hotel on Tuesday.

He said the final economic joint statement would be completed on January 14, 2010, during the visit of Hina Rabbani Khar, state minister for finance, to France. While 30 French companies, already working in the country, would reinvest, Smart Car Manufacturing Company and S D V another two companies would also start their business in Karachi next year, he added.

The ambassador said the existing 200 gas stations owned by French companies would be further increased by next year. He said that his country was more interested to increase its business activities in Karachi, the financial hub of Pakistan.

"Though there are serious security concerns in Pakistan, we encourage the political determination of Pakistan," he said adding that his country would continue supporting Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. He said Pakistan, comparatively, had remained safe from the current financial crisis, spread across the world, as France had been badly affected.

Over the past one year, he said, significant French investment has taken place in Pakistan. The company like Total has expanded its utility in Karachi in partnership with Atlas. Hyperstar has inaugurated its first hypermarket in Lahore while three new French affiliated companies -L'Oeal, SDV and Gemalto have directly established themselves in Pakistan this year.

While addressing the ceremony, Jamil Hamdani, president PFBA, said that this particular ceremony is one with a difference as unlike the norm, PFBA was covering a period of two years (2007-2008 and 2008-209). Another speaker, Irfan Nadeem, who was presently posted as Additional Director General FIA, who was also the chief guest at the ceremony, senior bureaucrat, said for the promotion and fair trade relation the implementation of intellectual property right was necessary.

The awards were distributed in following categories: the home textile, fabric export, garment export, textile buying agents, information and technology, chemical, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and lab, surgical goods, hospital equipment, shipping and freight forwarders, leather garments, cosmetic/consumer goods, commodities, animal husbandry, livestock, veterinary surgical instruments, oil and gas, engineering, industrial safety equipment, drilling equipment, and defence equipment.

General Electric Looking For Energy and Railways Projects

ISLAMABAD (December 09 2009): M/s General Electric Company (GE) is reportedly using the influence of a senior officer in the Presidency to get a contract in energy sector projects, sale of 150 locomotives to Pakistan Railways and installation of railway tracks, reveal official documents available with Business Recorder .

Shehzad Arbab, an Additional Secretary in the Presidency is the focal person who is pursuing the relevant Ministries and organisation like Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and Railways Board. For this purpose, President Secretariat has forwarded a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the key Energy Ministries and Railways for its review, the sources added.

However, it is still unclear who tailored the draft of the MoU and what will be the net worth of the contracts in which the American company is interested. According to the draft MoU, a copy of which has been obtained from the PPIB, it has been proposed that Pakistan and GE will work intensively and co-operatively to identify energy and transportation projects in which the firm will have technologies and solutions suitable to Pakistan, to secure sources of public and privatise funding to facilitate such funding as much as possible, and to facilitate, as appropriate, the ability of GE to participate in such projects.

M/s GE is interested in energy including renewable energy where GE will assist Pakistan in achieving its goal of generating 54,000 MW power by 2020 through diverse energy sources. It has also been proposed that Pakistan and GE will explore expanding the scope of this MoU to encompass other sectors vital to Pakistan's infrastructure and economic development, such as healthcare, water treatment, air transportation and financial services.

According to the draft MoU GE's commitments are as follows:

(a) GE is willing to cooperate with Pakistan to identify the areas of Energy and Transportation (i) those projects currently in progress and;

(ii) those that are being contemplated, on which GE engagement could be helpful;

(2) work with Pakistan to determine a path to meeting its energy goals, with a special focus on wind power and high efficiency gas turbines;

(3) help Pakistan develop its rail transportation system through expert consultations, addition of locomotives and rail signalling systems, and other advancements and solutions that GE can provide in the area;

(4) provide counsel and advice to Pakistan in the areas of energy and transportation where possible, including on such topics as electricity and rail system planning and management, fuel options for power generation, and regulatory and policy frameworks;

(5) assist Pakistan with identifying sources of funding necessary to implement projects in the areas of energy and transportation, including private and public sectors, export credit agencies, multilateral development banks and other international institutions;

(6) provide GE management and leadership training to such Pakistani middle and senior level managers and government officials in the energy and transportation sectors, where possible and as may be agreed;

(7) work with Pakistan to identify and possibly promote export opportunities and related jobs in the energy and transportation sectors and;

(8) localise support of GE products in Pakistan to the extent consistent with prudent business principles, GE business objectives, and Pakistan's economic development strategies.

Pakistan's commitments are as follows:

(i) provide support to the establishment and operation of GE facilities in Pakistan, consistent with Pakistani law and regulations, including the identification and implementation of incentives for GE investment in Pakistan, and help meet crucial infrastructural and policy needs for the successful implementation of agreed projects;

(ii) provide assistance in understanding and complying with relevant Pakistani regulations and policies in the areas of energy and transportation;

(iii) provide support for obtaining and securing funds for projects, including any sovereign guarantees, allow a stable investment climate for capital transfers and present opportunities for potential investors to participate in agreed projects;

(iv) provide assistance in facilitating dialogue between GE and Energy and Transportation ministers and other relevant officials and entities in Pakistan to enable and develop GE's advisory roles in the areas of energy and transportation;

(v) facilitate the issuance of work permits and visas for GE employees and contractors as needed to support the objectives of the MoU; and;

(vi) work with GE to facilitate the engagement of the United States and other governments to support and foster the expansion of commercial ties between Pakistan and GE.

TRANSPORTATION Indicative proposal submitted to Chairman Pakistan Railways on September 25, for 100 Nos 3000 HP and 50 Nos 2000 HP locos, financing through US Exim Bank, 100% Erie built.

GE is of the view that long -term maintenance agreement for proposed 150 locos for 18 years, will help PR have a highly reliable fleet with improved availability that translates to better asset utilisation. According to GE signalling modernisation will help PR increase its capacity achieve its "fast cargo" objectives, in addition to use of modern communications based signalling solutions that will enhance capacity without investing in double tracking.

Shahbaz Sharif's briefing on Lahore Mass Transit Project

PUNJAB Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif briefed Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif on various development projects, action against Qabza mafia and public transport. He said that revolutionary steps are being taken for the rapid development of the province, provision of basic amenities to the people, elimination of Qabza groups and provision of better transport facilities to the people, mass transit project and improvement of education, health and other sectors.

The CM said that provision of better transport facilities to the people was top priority of the government and a transport company had been set up in this regard. He said that nothing was done to improve public transport by the previous regime which increased the peoples’ problems. He said agreements had been inked with Chinese companies for provision of comfortable transport facilities to the people.

Briefing Nawaz on the mass transit project, the CM said that negotiation was going on with various foreign companies. He said two companies will soon give briefing about this project. Earlier, the chief secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue and the transport secretary briefed the meeting on action against Qabza groups and improvement of public transport.

Plan to run buses on Ring Road

LAHORE, Dec 2: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the preparation of a plan to provide transport facilities to the people on Ring Road.

The chief minister issued the orders after a briefing on pace of work on the Ring Road Project Package 6 and 7 by Lahore Commissioner Khusro Pervez Khan in a visit to Package-7 of the project near Lahore airport on Tuesday night. He also ordered the completion of work on Package-6 by Dec 31 and Lahore-Kasur Road by Jan 31.

The chief secretary, the Planning and Development chairman, the senior Board of Revenue member and the Communications and Works secretary were also present.

Model CNG Station Costing Rs150m for Karachi

ISLAMABAD: The government is to set a model mega CNG station in Karachi at the cost of Rs150.6 million to promote the CNG buses.

The project to be executed by the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) is expected to be operational by the end of 2010.

‘The basic idea to establish a model mega CNG station is to encourage private sector to start setting up CNG stations for buses in future,’ said Hilal A Raza, director general HDIP.

He said that Karachi needed around 4,000 dedicated CNG buses and this demonstration would help establishment of CNG stations by the private sectors. Karachi will require around 15-16 mega CNG stations to provide fuel to the CNG buses. The planned mega station to be established would be sufficient for refuelling 200 to 250 CNG buses.

The working paper of the project said that the model CNG station would be equipped with around 4,000 to 4,500 cubic meters per hour compressor capacity and six mass flow dual hose dispensing units with two compressors around 2,000 cubic meter/hour capacity to refuel 12 buses at a time.

A petroleum ministry official said that the CNG stations were first established by the HDIP in country that encouraged the private sector to enter the sector. Currently the HDIP is operating four CNG refuelling stations each in Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar and Lahore.

Currently, Pakistan has the largest CNG industry in the world but it is limited to the petrol-run vehicles,’ the ministry official said.

The official said that the government was pursuing the policy to introduce CNG-based public transport to reduce diesel consumption, which is imported at a heavy cost.

The project is being introduced in Karachi as there is an urgent need for improving the air quality in the mega city and the land for this project is being provided by the Sindh government and the City District Government Karachi.

Despite repeated efforts by the government the project to introduce CNG buses has failed to take off since 2006, when the federal cabinet had approved the summary regarding replacement of diesel with CNG in public transport buses.

The aim of project initiated by the ministry of petroleum and natural resources was to replace the existing fleet of privately operated buses, mini-buses and wagons with dedicated CNG vehicles in ten major cities.

In line with the cabinet decision, the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) had also approved a private-public partnership environment friendly public transport system in Oct 2007 for 8,000 CNG buses.

Currently, the bulk of diesel consumed in the country is met through imports and according to the official figures the transport sector consumed 7.5 million tons of HSD during the last fiscal year.

KCR Annual Revenue Estimated at Rs 9.123 billion

The annual revenue earning of Karachi Circular Railway Project has been estimated as Rs 9.123 billion, with Rs 4.327 billion rail and Rs 4.8 billion non-rail revenue. Sources said that deducting Rs 2.881 billion operation and maintenance (O&M) cost, annual gross revenue surplus of KCR has been estimated at Rs 6.246 billion.

Out of Rs 6.246 billion, Rs 4 billion would be earmarked for repayment of loan, while depreciation cost has been estimated at Rs 1.6 billion. Rs 0.646 billion has been estimated as total net revenue surplus from the project. The proposed completion period of the project is three years, on commencement by the end of 2010, with $1.457 billion soft loan from Japan and $101.3 billion by Karachi Urban Transport Corporation (KUTC). The loan of donor agency, Jica, @ 0.2 percent mark-up would be repayable in 40 years, including 10 years grace period.

The study for the settlement of encroachers, in consultation with the Jica, is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2009. About 300 acres land of the Board of Revenue, Sindh, at Jumma Goth, has been identified for the resettlement project of affectees/encroachers.

After completion, the resettlement plan study would be displayed at Jica website prior to WB appraisal mission visit to Pakistan. The loan agreement is expected to take place in July-August 2010 while it is likely that Jica would separately treat the study/design loan so that preliminary work could be completed. The route's preliminary alignment work would be completed by December 30, 2009 while the allocation of 300 acres of land by Board of Revenue

Government of Sindh for RRA is being taken up. They said that Sindh government and City District Government Karachi have signed Terms of References (ToRs) in October, 2009 of the transport study of City of Karachi with JICA. Priority Corridors-1&II will be identified on completion of study while financing and implementation of another study will be carried out for the Identified corridors-I and II by Jica

PR to Purchase 150 Locomotives from China & U.S

Nice Deal ..................... 75 from China and 75 from U.S .............
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KARACHI: Pakistan Railway has finalised a program to buy 150 locomotives including 75 from China and the rest from US.

This was stated by Chairman Pakistan Railway Sami-ul-Huq Khilji in an interview to APP.

He said talks being held with EXIM Bank of China for loan for purchase of 75 Chinese locomotives are expected to finalise this week. He said China has agreed to provide 85 per cent of loan at 2.22 per cent markup.

He said that under the railway’s development plan, PR is procuring over 200 coaches, 500 high speed capacity wagons and another 300 later.

He said that besides induction of rolling stock, the development plan also incorporates improvement of track, IT and human resource improvement, capacity building and merit-based induction.

He hoped that with these measures it would be possible to revive Pakistan Railway on modern lines.

Referring to Karachi Circular Railway project, Khilji said that Japan is providing a loan for this $1.558 billion project at 0.2 per cent markup.

He said that Jetro has prepared the financial and operational model of the project and approved by the ECC.

He said that work is also in hand to deal with the resettlement of the project affectees and Sindh Government has been requested for their resettlement in Jumma Goth.

Khilji said that environment assessment for the project is underway and all these things would be finalised within 5-6 months by a JICA team which is here for the purpose.

Replying to a question about the measures being considered to make Pak Railway a profitable entity, he said work is in progress on the transportation of bulk imports.

He disclosed that to deal with the railway’s real estate assets, an assets management company is being formed.

The PR chairman has conceived an integrated development plan whereby railway employees would be provided constructed houses.

The plan also incorporates the commercialization of railway properties with settlement of title issue with the provincial government.

He said development of railway land for new stations is also on the cards.

Khilji said under the plan outsourcing of railway tickets, freight booking and various sectors are also under consideration.

To a question, he said that increase in railway fares is not under consideration but these would be rationalised.

To another question, Khilji said freight income has registered an increase and railway is increasing the oil movement.

He pointed out that at present railway is operating 4-5 oil specials and it plans to increase their number to 10.—APP

Deutsche Bahn in $25bn Qatar and Bahrain Rail Deal

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn has signed a 17bn euro ($25bn; £15bn) contract to build rail and underground lines in Qatar and Bahrain.

For Qatar's capital Doha, Deutsche Bahn will design and build a four line metro system with 98 stations.

A high speed train line to neighbouring Bahrain is also planned, with trains reaching speeds of 350km/h (220mph).

The contract will create a new company called the Qatar Railways Development Company.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani and German transport minister Peter Ramsauer were present when the deal was signed in Doha.

Qatar Railways Development Company will be 49% owned by Deutsche Bahn and 51% by Qatari Diar, Qatar's state-owned infrastructure and property development firm.

Deutsche Bahn said that it hoped to win more contracts in the Middle East following what it hoped would be a fruitful partnership with Qatar.

Japan to provide KCR Loan After Encroachers' Resettlement

ISLAMABAD (November 21 2009): Japan will provide $1.457 billion soft loan for Karachi Circular Railway project (KCR) only after completion of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) of affectees/encroachers. Sources said that officials of the KCR have told the National Assembly standing committee planning and development that Japan would not provide the loan for KCR without completion of RAP survey.

The study for the settlement of encroachers. in consultation with the Jica, is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2009. About 300 acres land of Board of Revenue of Sindh at Jumma Goth has been identified for the resettlement project for affectees/encroachers.

The resettlement plan study would be displayed at Jica website for World Bank and Jica review ahead of WB appraisal mission. The loan agreement would take place in July-August 2010 while the study/design loan might be treated separately by Jica for completion of preliminary work.

The meeting was told that final study to revive KCR--constructed and opened for traffic by Pakistan Railway in1964--was conducted by the donor agency, Jica, and the estimated cost of the revival project is $1558.8 million. Jica will contribute 93.5 percent funding, while remaining 6.5 percent will be borne by the implementing agency, Karachi Urban Transport Corporation (KUTC).

Giving details on implementation status, the meeting was apprised that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study has been approved, while the RAP study would be completed on November 30, 2009. The KUTC has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for validation of final report prepared by Saprof and fixed December 2009 as the last date for submission of proposals. The Satellite Imagery of KCR route has been completed by Suparco, while route preliminary alignment work, in progress, would be completed by December 30, 2009.

The allocation of 300 acres of land at Jumma Goth by Board of Revenue, Government of Sindh for Resettlement of Project Affected Persons is being awaited as well as release of funds of Rs 817 million for the year 2009-10 against the allocation of Rs 750 million in Public Sector Development Projects (PSDP) and Rs 60 million in annual development plan of Sindh government. The implementing agency has requested the federal government for duty waiver on imported equipments as well as in relending mark up. The KUC has proposed the same relending rate as the mark-up of lending agency to KUC

Feasibility of Planned Train Service Pakistan, China Agree to Form Consortium

ISLAMABAD (November 17 2009): The Ministry of Railways and Government of China have principally agreed to form a consortium to prepare the feasibility of planned train service between Pakistan and China as a joint venture between the two countries, said Railways Minister Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour.

"Both the countries are seeking for a soft term loan from some international organisations for laying a railway track between the two countries," Bilour said this talking to APP. The minister said both the countries are going to execute a joint venture for a freight train service that would help upgrade the passenger train service, keeping in view the needs of the people, particularly the business class.

"The rail link with China would boost trade ties between the two countries," said the minister. The preparation of the feasibility study is to be followed by the designing and PC-1 of the project. The feasibility study will cover a 750-kilometer section between Havelian and 4,730-meter-high Khunjrab crossing over Mansehra district and the Karakoram Highway.

Havelian is already linked with the rest of the rail network in Pakistan. Chinese will lay some 350 km of track within their own territory from Kashgar terminus up to the Khunjerab Pass, linking Pakistan with China's rail network, largely following the route of the Karakoram Highway.

Pakistan Railways and China's Dong Fang Electric Supply Corp signed an agreement for establishing a rail link between Havelian and Khunjerab. In this regard, the railways minister had also paid a week-long official visit to China and discussed the various means to execute the project within minimum possible time to cope with the growing load of freight and passengers.

He said during China visit, the project was discussed thoroughly and apparently no hiccup seems in the execution of the project. "For the successful execution of the project, a six-member committee has been constituted comprising each three members from both Pakistan and China," he said. He said that initially they would be planning to establish a rail link with China and at later stage they could connect Torkhum with Jalalabad from where they could go into Central Asian states up to Russia.

PDWP Clears CDGK's Rs 370.81 Million KTMP Project

KARACHI (November 14 2009): The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved the Japan-funded Rs 370.81 million Karachi Transport Master Plan (KTMP) project, the first ever transport related study/planning in the city, for its onward approval by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP).

According to sources, the study under 'Transport Improvement Study Project' would be completed in two years, which would be the first transport-related master plan of any city in the country.

They said that the PC-II of the project, developed by Karachi Mass Transit Cell (KMTC), was considered by a technical committee of Sindh Planning and Development Department on November 10, 2009 and subsequently it was also cleared by PDWP on November 12 for onward approval of CDWP in its meeting to be held on November 19 in Islamabad.

With the approval of CDWP, Japanese government would start tendering in Japan for consultancy services, they said, adding that it was hoped that the team of consultants of Japan would be available in Karachi in January 2010 to start the study.

They said the important project costing Rs 370.81 million, out of which Rs 356.1 under Japanese grant in aid whereas the rest of Rs 14.71 million would equally be shared by the provincial government and City District Government Karachi (CDGK). The study would be completed in two phases; the first phase of 13 months would cost Rs 215.15 million and second phase of 11 months costing Rs 155.66 million.

This exercise, they further claimed, would help for strategic transport planning for 2013 with visionary planning in the great interest of the city and public at large. Besides, the study would also ensure the availability of feasibility study of about three highest travel demanding corridors for quick implementation of the project by attracting international investors. It is worth mentioning here that the City Government had signed an agreement with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) on October 7, 2009, for evolving the transport master plan of the city under JICA funding.

According to sources, the study of the survey team would facilitate the preparation of the 'Karachi Transport Master Plan 2030'. Besides, they said, it would validate and screen the transport project identified in the Karachi Development Strategic Plan-2020 (the transport section of Karachi Master Plan).

For the last 62 years, they said, no master plan of transportation had been prepared for any city in Pakistan and it was the first in the history that complete planning for at least 20 years was being made for Karachi.

Interestingly, the Karachi Mass Transit Programme, Benazir Bhutto Transit CNG Bus Project and Bus Rapid Transit System, the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), Lyari Expressway and other important projects were being started in the absence of the transport related Master Plan.

The JICA study was to include future traffic demand, roadside interview of citizens, transport related institution such as District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA), travel speed, environment impact, estimate capital cost for Rapid Mass Transit Project, etc.

France Offers Punjab - Help in Water, Solid Waste Management and Mass Transit Projects

LAHORE (November 11 2009): French ambassador in Pakistan Daniel Jouaneau called on Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister's Secretariat, here on Tuesday. Co-operation in different sectors and matters of mutual interest discussed in the meeting.

Talking to French ambassador, the Chief Minister said that Punjab was rich in natural resources and there were vast opportunities of investment in different sectors. He said that Pakistan and France had strong friendly ties as well as economic and trade relations and France had played a commendable role in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

He said that supply of safe drinking water and solid waste management in cities was of vital importance for the creation of a healthy atmosphere and the government was taking solid measures for this purpose. He appreciated the co-operation of France in water supply and solid waste management projects in Lahore and Faisalabad.

He said that polluted water was causing viral diseases therefore, provision of potable water was of paramount importance and the government was utilising all available resources in this regard. He said that in the first phase, water supply and solid waste management projects would start in Lahore with the co-operation of France and feasibility report had been prepared.

He said that in the second phase, this project would commence in Faisalabad next year. He said that it remained mandatory for the company, which would implement water treatment projects in Lahore and Faisalabad to executive solid waste management project as well. He said that like Lahore, supply of pure water to the people of Faisalabad was essential and this project would be completed speedily.

He said that on the pattern of Lahore and Faisalabad, a comprehensive strategy had been adopted for the supply of potable water in all districts to save the people from communicable diseases. He said that government had created a favourable atmosphere for foreign investment in the province and all out facilities were being provided to the investors.

He said that projects were being implemented in a transparent manner. Shahbaz said that there was a wide scope of investment in agriculture, livestock and energy sectors in Punjab while France could also extend co-operation in mass transit project. He said that provision of modern transport facilities to the citizens was the top priority of the government. He said that he was deeply impressed with the metro-system during his visit to Iran and it was his desire that such a project should also be initiated in Lahore.

He appreciated the efforts of French Ambassador Daniel Jouaneau for the strengthening of bilateral relations between France and Pakistan as well as promotion of co-operation in different sectors in Punjab. He said that French President was also playing a commendable role for the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

The French Ambassador said that economic and trade relations between France and Pakistan were strengthening with the passage of time and France would extend co-operation for the development of different sectors in Punjab. He said that he was fully aware of the importance of safe drinking water for the people of Punjab and France would extend co-operation in water supply and solid waste management projects.

The envoy said that besides water treatment plant in Lahore, a similar project would be launched in Faisalabad next year and a team of French experts would visit Faisalabad within next few days. He said that France was also interested in mass transit project in Lahore and prospects of co-operation in this sector would be explored.

He said that French Minister for Foreign Trade Anne-Marie Idrac was deeply impressed with the briefing given to her with regard to bilateral co-operation between Punjab and France during her visit to Punjab in July. He said that in addition to water supply and solid waste management, France would also consider co-operation in different sectors. He said that French entrepreneurs also want to invest in Punjab.

Member National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senior Special Assistant Pervez Malik, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board, Pir Saad Ahsanuddin, Haroon Khawaja, Additional Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Livestock, Industries and Housing Departments, Commissioner Lahore Division, senior officers of French Embassy and Honorary Consul of France in Pakistan Ashiq Qureshi were also present on the occasion.

Road Trains' Get Ready to Roll

After joining a road train, drivers will be able to sit back and relax Road trains that link vehicles together using wireless sensors could soon be on European roads. An EU-financed research project is looking at inexpensive ways of getting vehicles to travel in a 'platoon' on Europe's motorways. Each road train could include up to eight separate vehicles - cars, buses and trucks will be mixed in each one. The EU hopes to cut fuel consumption, journey times and congestion by linking vehicles together. Early work on the idea suggests that fuel consumption could be cut by 20% among those cars and trucks travelling behind the lead vehicle. Spanish trials The lead vehicle would be handled by a professional driver who would monitor the status of the road train. Those in following vehicles could take their hands off the wheel, read a book or watch TV, while they travel along the motorway. Their vehicle would be autonomously controlled by the lead vehicle. Funded under the European Commission's Framework 7 research plan, Sartre (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) is aimed at commuters in cars who travel long distances to work every day but will also look at ways to involve commercial vehicles. Tom Robinson, project co-ordinator at engineering firm Ricardo, said the idea was to use off-the-shelf components to make it possible for cars, buses and trucks to join the road train. "The goal is to try and introduce a step change in transport methods," he said. "We're looking at what it would take to get platooning on public highways without making big changes to the public highways themselves," said Mr Robinson. A system that involved wiring up motorways with sensors to help control the road trains would be prohibitively expensive, he said. "Each of the vehicles will have their own control and software monitoring system," said Mr Robinson. "There may well be a platoon sensor envelope that collates information and presents it to the lead vehicle so it can understand what is happening around all the vehicles." The idea is to make platoons active so vehicles can join and leave as they need. Mr Robinson speculated that those joining a platoon or road train may one day pay for the privilege of someone else effectively driving them closer to their destination. Sartre will run for three years. The project partners are currently doing preliminary research to find out all the elements needed for a working system and the situations in which it might be used. There were also behavioural elements to consider, said Mr Robinson, such as whether all the vehicles will need to have their hazard lights on while in a platoon. Also, he said, there had to be a way to ensure the vehicles in a platoon are organised to make drivers feel safe. "Car drivers do not want to be between trucks," he said. Towards the end of the research project trials will be held on test tracks in the UK, Spain and Sweden. There are also plans for public road trials in Spain. The first platoon will involve two trucks and three cars.

German Wonderful Trains .......... Wow

Intercity-Express (ICE)

The fastest train of Deutsche Bahn AG is enjoying highest reputation.

At speeds up to 300 km/h the ICE takes you to your destination quickly and safely, offering best comfort. With a wide range of service offers and modern, comfortable interior, travelling with ICE becomes a real pleasure.

Travelling safely at top speed

The ICE service operates between many cities at hourly or two-hourly intervals and even goes as far as Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. Cross-platform interchanges from ICE to ICE is possible at many stations, without any stairs or long-distances to walk. The comfort and convenience of the ICE are sure to win you over. ICE trains are fully air-conditioned and have a low noise level.

Comfort in every aspect

In all ICE trains you have a wide choice of seats. When reserving your seat at the counter you can state whether you wish a window or aisle seat, whether you prefer a row seat or face-to-face and if you would like a seat with a fxed table. On request you may receive a reservation for a seat in an area with improved mobile phone reception. If you want to travel in a relaxed atmosphere, we recommend reserving a seat in the silent area. In both 1st and 2nd class coaches you will find comfortable seats that can be reclined or raised. There are also fixed or hinged tables at all seats.

Passengers travelling with young children are recommended to reserve a seat in the parent-and-child compartment. All ICE trains have special facilities for the disabled, e.g. wide doors, wheelchair parking and handicapped accessible toilets. A baby’s changing table is also available on all ICE trains. Please reserve these seats at the counter or at our call center.

The Service

Our friendly service crew will gladly help you with any questions or requests. A PA system provides information about the next stop and connections available. The information leaflet "Ihr Reiseplan" at your seat also features the available services and connections.
Passengers can buy daily newspapers at the Bordbistro.

During the journey you can leave your luggage in one of the ICE lockers in the vestibules, e.g. when visiting the BordRestaurant. The deposit will be returned to you when you remove your luggage. The service crew on the train also takes orders for taxis or porters. The taxi or porter will then be waiting for you when you reach your destination.

Some first class coaches feature individual video screens at the seat. Almost all 1st and 2nd class seats have an integrated audio connection. You can choose between three radio stations and the ICE programs which features classical music/jazz, rock/pop and the children’s channel.

Food and Beverages

There is a Bordbistro and/or Bordrestaurant on all ICE trains. Depending on the time of the day, you can choose from various breakfast menus to suit any taste or from à la carte main dishes. In addition to the standard dishes the menu often features German and European regional specialities. The Bordbistro serves snacks and a wide selection of beverages which you can partake of there or take back to your seat. In 1st class coaches a selection of beverages and meals from our menus can be served at your seat upon request. In 2nd class snacks and beverages are also available at your seat.

City Night Line

There are three categories of travel to choose from on the night train: seat, couchette or comfortable sleeper. Reservations are compulsory.

DB is setting new standards in travel, design and style with the introduction of its new sleeper carriages. Elegantly curved corridors, soft lighting, attractive design, high-quality materials and careful planning provide a pleasant ambience.

Depending on your booking you will find either a shower and toilet or a wash basin inside your compartment as well as many other new extras: a call system, a card key, as well as storage for your cases. The tap water in the sleeper carriages even offers drinking water! Sleeping should not be a problem – even at speeds of 200 kph the cushioned axles ensure you sleep undisturbed throughout the night.

The new sleeper carriages also provide a deluxe suite with two to six beds! This spacious compartment offers, for example, two wash basins, the option of having a shower and toilet, and two tables at which you can enjoy your complimentary breakfast.

And night travel does not have to be expensive. Please enquire about special SparNight offers with overnight rail travel within Germany and to some European destinations.

DB Autozug - Motorail

Arrive refreshed after travelling by rail and still be mobile when you get to your destination.

Travelling by motorail is the ideal way to combine rail and road travel. Motorail trains operated by DB Autozug depart from 14 German stations to some 20 destinations in Germany and in European holiday regions. Overnight travel is particularly recommended so that passengers do not lose a day of their holiday.

All trains have air-conditioned sleeper compartments or seated coaches. The couchettes are in the process of being fully modernized and air conditioned couchette cars will be available on long-distance routes in the future. There are three tariffs for motorail travel according to season. The price depends on the route, travel date, number of people and category of travel selected.

Local Trains

A new generation of local trains offers greater comfort and faster journey times.

Comfortable seats, spacious multi-purpose compartments and entry at platform level without steps are some of their features. The rolling stock is gradually undergoing further improvement.

Departure at regular intervals with easy-to-remember departure times, designed to connect without long waiting times, makes local travel and the transition from local to long-distance travel easy and pleasant.

The following local trains are available in Germany:

InterRegio-Express (IRE)

The InterRegio-Express connects cities and offers travelling in comfortable modern trains. It leaves at regular intervals and links local to long-distance trains.

Regionalbahn (RB)

The Regionalbahn offers basic service from all local stations. It provides the connection between the regions and the city centres. It also gives connections to the Regional-Express.

Stadt-Express (SE)

The Stadt-Express offers quick direct connections to city centres. Outside of the S-Bahn network it stops at all stations, within the S-Bahn network it only stops at selected stations.

S-Bahn

The S-Bahn runs frequently and is the basic means of travelling within cities and high density areas.

Rawalpindi Expressway

RAWALPINDI, Nov 4: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday gave the go-ahead to start work on the elevated expressway project to ease traffic flow on the city’s main thoroughfare.

The proposed expressway between Secretariat II intersection and Chandni Chowk will be completed in two years at a cost of Rs13 billion.

Mr Shairf directed the relevant authorities to complete the formalities within minimum time so that the construction work could be started at the earliest. He said the elevated highway would be completed expeditiously to provide better transport facilities to the citizens of Rawalpindi and to solve of traffic problems on the Benazir Bhutto Road.

He was talking to reporters at the Islamabad airport after attending a meeting on the muchawaited project. Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, MNA Khwaja Mohammad Asif, Rawalpindi Commissioner Zahid Saeed, RPO Mohammad Aslam Tareen, DCO Imdadullah Bosal, CPO Rao Mohammad Iqbal, National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) vice-president Qazi Iftikhar and other officers were also present.

Mr Sharif said third party evaluation as well as other measures should be adopted for ensuring high standards of construction.

Commissioner Zahid Saeed and Nespak vice-president Qazi Iftikhar said that due to the heavy cost of the original plan, under which the elevated expressway was to be built from The Mall to Double Road, the chief minister had issued instructions last month to rationalise the expenditure. After reports by various committees, a revised project has been prepared which involves comparatively less expenditure. They said earlier the estimated project cost was Rs30 billion.

They said the revised elevated expressway would be 4.5km long and would have two lanes on each side. Moreover, two underpasses would be constructed at Sixth Road Chowk and Double Road Chowk to make Benazir Bhutto Road signal free up to Faizabad, they added

Comprehensive System to Improve Public Transport’

Just discussions, statements, press briefing .............. thats all ............. nothing on grounds .......... nice politics.............. don't expect this thing from this punjab government............
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LAHORE: The government has devised a comprehensive system to provide better transport facilities to people across the province, Transport, Excise and Taxation Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman said on Sunday.

In a statement, he said the government would purchase new buses for the provincial metropolis soon, adding new automatic ticketing system would also be introduced. He said the government was determined to provide modern transport facilities to the people and was giving 25 percent subsidy to the operators for this purpose.

Talking to different delegations, the minister said public transport was an indicator of the development and public awareness in any country. He said providing modern facilities to the people was the government’s priority and public transport was being improved to fulfil this demand.

He said no nation could progress without an efficient transport system. He said the government would encourage only those operators— locals or foreigners— who were capable of managing the transport system and providing better transport facilities to passengers. He said the government would opt for a balanced policy while allotting routes to buses and would not allow vehicles without permits to ply their trade on roads.

CDA Islamabad Shelves Rapid Mass-Transit and CNG Bus Service Projects

Indeed Ironic ......... What else we can expect from these so called big cities civic bodies .........
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Financial crisis, lack of skilled staff

CDA shelves RMTS, CNG bus service projects

* Official says civic agency has set aside plans to improve traffic and public transport system
* Traffic and transport problems will aggravate

ISLAMABAD: The traffic and transport problems in the federal capital are likely to aggravate, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has shelved its Rapid Mass Transit System (RMTS) and CNG bus service projects.

Keeping in view the traffic problems, the CDA had planned to launch RMTS and CNG bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, but due to financial crisis and lack of skilled staff the authority has shelved these projects. “Current traffic problems would further increase, as the CDA has set aside its plans to improve traffic system in the city, a senior official of the civic agency told Daily Times on Friday.

He said last year the authority had planned to launch CNG bus service through a joint venture with a private company. In the first phase the company had to ply 50 buses and later on increase their number to 300, he said. The official said the CDA had also signed an agreement with a private company in this regard.

He said the CDA had also made a plan to launch RMTS between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. According to the plan, the CDA had hired a consultant to conduct feasibility study of the project, but he did not start work due security reasons and refused to carry out the study, he said, adding, the CDA failed to hire another consultant to conduct the study, he said.

He said Islamabad, being the federal capital and centre of economic and services activities, is attracting traffic from all over the country. Since Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities, an increased commuting takes place between the two cities, he added. So far the relevant authorities have failed to introduce an organised transport system due which people rely on the minibuses, he said, adding, the service of these buses is far below than an acceptable standard.

He said the twin cities were growing at a rate of more than four percent per annum, comparatively higher than national growth indicating significant increase in migration to these cities. Present population of Islamabad alone is 1.2 million, he said, adding that currently both the cities accommodated a population of over 2.78 million.

It is learnt that approximately 1,800 passenger vans are plying on Saddar, Pak Secretariat, Peshawar Mor, Karachi Company, Faisal Mosque, Adiala Jail and Pirwadhai routes of the twin cities, but they are unable to cope with the ever increasing heavy rush of passengers.

The officials said due to negligence of the authorities the vans plying on these route were mostly overloaded creating suffocation, especially during the rush hours in the morning and afternoon when people and students have to dash to their destinations. “Due to shortage of vans the public transporters not only indulge in overloading but also did not complete their routes creating problems for commuters on daily basis,” he said.

NAB Completes Probe into Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System Scam

Still confusing .............. what is this scam .......... and is this the reason for over all delay of this project .......................................
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LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has completed investigations of the misappropriation of Rs 401.15 million through bogus bills in the Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System and is seeking shifting of the case along with complete record from the Anti-Corruption Court to the Accountability Court.

Through an official letter, NAB Chief of Staff Ashfaq Ashraf has asked Anti-Corruption Director General Kazim Ali Malik to shift the case with complete record to the Accountability Court. After receiving the letter from the NAB, Malik said he issued directions to the officials concerned to shift the case.

According to a report, a reference would be submitted in the (accountability) court after approval from the NAB chairman. The government had already paid Rs 250 million to a France-based company for the project. The report said the NAB director general authorised an inquiry as the Punjab Transport Department officials had misappropriated Rs 400 million through bogus invoices. Transport Department Section Officer Shah Nawaz, his son Umar Farooq, his brother Afzaal Gulzar, his brother-in-law Javed Yousaf, cashier Shamshad Gulzar, his wife Farhat Shamshad, Accounts Officer Tahir Sherazi and Senior Auditor Hafeezur Rehman have been arrested.

Revival of KCR: KUTC Asked to Complete Survey by October 31

KARACHI (October 07 2009): Sindh Chief Secretary Fazal-ur-Rehman has directed Karachi Urban Transport Corporation (KUTC) to speed up the survey of encroachments around the railway track linked to the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) by October 31 and submit the report by next day.He directed this while presiding over a meeting of KUTC Board of Directors at his office on Tuesday.

Managing Director KUTC gave a presentation and apprised that so far the survey of 4305 houses has been conducted up to September 30, 2009 in connection with the resettlement programme linked to the KCR.The meeting unanimously decided to proceed on the resettlement work with a view to compensate the relevant inhabitants as per pattern of Lyari Express Way Resettlement Programme (LERP).

Sindh Government Against Giving 2,000 CNG Buses to Karachi

KARACHI (October 07 2009): The Sindh government has opposed bringing of at least 2,000 environment-friendly CNG buses only into the city, Business Recorder learnt on Tuesday. According to sources, Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) would provide a loan while the Federal Environment Ministry would provide the remaining funds to bring at least 2,000 environment-friendly CNG buses for all districts of Sindh province, which would ply on various routes of the province on public-private partnership.

The Centre has tasked the Jica to undertake the study after which the CNG buses would be imported from Japan. A preliminary meeting with Jica representative, Nobuhiro Kawatani, was held in Islamabad on September 15, 2009, they added. They said that Jica Mission had visited Karachi and held a meeting on October 5with the representatives of Sindh government and the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) for conducting preparatory survey.

The CDGK demanded to name the project as Karachi Urban Transport Master Plan. However, the Jica Mission did not agree, saying that the title should remain 'Preparatory Survey', which was later finalised as Karachi Transportation Improvement Project, they said.They said that Jica would submit the study report within 20 months after the award of work in order to main the quality and correctness of the report.

The study would include persons per trip, future traffic demand, roadside interview of citizens, transport related institution such as District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA), travel speed, Karachi Urban Transport Master Plan 2030, environment impact, estimate capital cost for Rapid Mass Transit Project, etc.Jica Mission stated that they would not select the consultant until PC-II is approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP).

They said that Sindh Transport Department had been sidelined in this project and it was made only for city, which the Sindh government would not accept at any cost. In the meeting on October 5, 2009, the transport department officials opposed the idea to run all these buses in Karachi alone, depriving other districts of the province from this travel facility.Moreover, a letter No SO (V) JICA/2009 was forwarded to the Additional Chief Secretary (Development) by the transport department, which stated that, "all the transport related projects come under the scope of Transport Department, Government of Sindh but no role has been provided to Transport Department under the draft.

It is therefore, proposed that Transport Department may be given due role for the project".It says Transport Department should be made as a counterpart agency and as a co-ordinating body for implementation of the study. It further proposed that the study should not be confined to Karachi city only and it should cover entire province and may be titled as Sindh Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Project. Sources said that the federal government should focus the entire province and not a single city, adding that the Sindh government should be handed over these buses that would be plied in all 23 districts of the province under direct supervision of provincial government

MoR Directed To Start KCR Project's Tendering Process: 'Third-Party Validation Put in Pending'

KARACHI (October 05 2009): The Cabinet Division has directed the Ministry of Railways to go ahead with the tendering process of the Rs 128.5 billion Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) Project, pending third party validation of the project, to avoid further delay.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) had earlier asked the Pakistan Railways to conduct third party validation of the much awaited KCR project while approving it in the council's session on 3rd September. The validation of the project "Revival of KCR as Modern Commuter System" was made mandatory to ensure best design and assess cost escalation estimated by Special Assistance for Project Formation (SAPROF).But to avoid any delay in the execution of the project, sources said, the federal government had decided to remove the condition of validation by western experts.

They said the validation move was likely to further delay the project, as the modification and inordinate delay had already raised the project's cost to $1.58 billion from the original cost of $ 872.316 million.However, for the transparent and smooth execution of the project, the sources said the validation by a foreign country was needed for such a mega project. As the government of Japan was funding the important project the material mostly imported from the funding country was to be ensured as cost-effective, they added.

They said the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), which had conducted different studies of the project with the guidelines of the World Bank had also raised no objection over the validation by a third party.However, showing his unawareness regarding pending validation of the project, Ejaz Khilji, Managing Director, Karachi Urban Transport Corporation (KUTC) said the third party involvement would not affect the process of the KCR project. The KCR project was to be funded by the government of Japan through the Japan Bank of International Co-operation (JBIC). Tokyo had commissioned 100 percent funding for the project under "STEP Loan" at 0.2 percent mark-up rate for a 40-year payback time, including a 10-year grace period.

The government of Japan had earlier promised to release $1.58 billion STEP loan to be used for the KCR project and it had commissioned a study under the aegis of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).They said KUTC would be the vehicle for the implementation of the project having on its Board-Directors the senior officials of Pakistan Railway, Government of Sindh and City District Government Karachi (CDGK).

4,000 CNG Buses To Be Operational in Karachi

KARACHI (September 21 2009): Some 4000 CNG buses would be operated in Karachi with the co-operation of federal government, which has given a subsidy of Rs 2.5 billion. Immediately, under the project, to be implemented by Karachi Mass Transit cell with the participation of private sector, 500 buses would start plying in the city by the end of December 2009.

The pre-qualification of the operators in the private sector has started. The DCO Karachi Javed Hanif chaired a meeting of Implementation Regulatory Committee for CNG Buses, which was attended by senior CDGK officials and representatives of various NGOs.DCO said that city district government is taking every step for enhanced transport facilities in Karachi and 50 CNG buses have already been introduced.

The Director General Karachi Mass Transit Cell, CDGK, Malik Zahirul Islam gave a detail briefing about the operation of 4000 CNG buses in Karachi and said the project will be completed in 5 years under public transport partnership and co-operation of Federal Government.He said some 500 to 1000 buses would come on city roads during 2010 and will be plied on 40 routes.

He said Karachi Mass Transit Cell has identified 40 routes while one bus will carry 70-100 passengers. Besides Malik Zahir, the meeting was also attended by EDO Transport Iftekhar Qaimkhani, Transport Consultant Mohammed Athar, President Karachi Transport Ittehad Irshad Bukhari, Special Secretary Planning and Development Sindh, CDGK officials and representatives of orangi Pilot Project.

Karachi Circular Railway: Looking Ahead

The Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) closed down over 10 years ago. The last train that ran covered the 32-km distance from the city’s eastern suburbs to the central station in two hours earning a total fare of just Rs8,000. Little else needs to be said to explain the cause of its closure............................................

In a quarter century of its stumbling operations the KCR burdened the country’s railways with huge losses while providing little relief to commuters. Nevertheless, its refurbishment and revival remained on the books of planners, though the focus shifted chiefly to tram-cum-bus transit corridors — seven of them — running through the conurbation of colonies and shanties that Karachi had become since independence.

In 20 years the corridor scheme attracted no investor. The government didn’t pursue it either. The chief deterrence was its huge cost and environmental hazards. The forsaken circular railway plan was dusted off the shelf when the Japanese government showed interest. It has since agreed to finance it fully after years of painstaking study by Japanese experts.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the project recently, subject to a second and more careful look at its staggering cost of Rs128.5bn.

For the people of Karachi, the project is a surprise gift — but from the people of Japan, not from the MQM or the ANP as their leaders have claimed. It is not usual for a project of this size, which also has a commercial dimension to it, to be financed entirely by a foreign government or agency, and that too at a token rate of interest. The three tiers of government — federal, provincial and district — will now have only administrative costs to fight over, if they must, which is barely five per cent of the capital investment.
The real test lies in the speedy and honest implementation of the project. And that is where doubts take hold.
Hardly ever has a project of this size and complexity been completed on schedule and within the estimated cost. Close at hand is the example of the much smaller and simpler Lyari Expressway. It was to be completed in two years. It is now in its sixth year and perhaps will take two more.
The rate of commission — another name for embezzlement — is now said to be 30 per cent of the cost. Gone are the benign days of the legendary and ‘legitimate’ 10 per cent. It is no longer confined to bribery or waste. Political establishments and homesteads, here and abroad, jaunts and feasts of leaders and hangers-on all have to be taken care of.

Pakistan’s political parties have no endowments, nor do their members pay a large fee. Slush funds are also needed, on occasion, to bring down a government. Money cannot be stolen from the treasury all the time.

Since the KCR is the best and, perhaps, the last chance for Karachi to have a mass transit system, maybe the officials and contractors employed on the project can be persuaded to take a vow not to siphon off funds and to strive to complete the work within the stipulated period of four years.
Whether just one or all three levels of government are partners in the venture is immaterial. What matters is that the professionals executing the project should not be in any way beholden to any government, nor should they be politicians’ nominees. One has to be wary on this count when embezzlement is alleged even in the building of houses for the homeless of Balakot affected by the 2005 earthquake. No wonder foreign agencies now have second thoughts about the pledges they made to help the families displaced by extremist violence in Swat.

Fast electric trains unhampered by level crossings going full circle every six minutes on a 43-km dual track would surely make transit corridors unnecessary, especially after branch lines are added in the second phase. Enlarging and modernising the city’s bus fleet for feeder routes, however, would remain a necessity.

Karachi’s bus fleet is obsolete, mechanically unfit, polluting and wholly inadequate. It has been almost three years since Ecnec approved a scheme for 8,000 CNG buses for major cities (Karachi’s indicated share was 5,000), with a 25 per cent subsidy. Not one bus has come on the road so far. It was left to Karachi’s confident nazim to stake municipal money, but on no more than 50 buses. That is a drop in the ocean but has indeed made travel fast and economical on the routes on which these buses ply.

The KCR could fail if buses are not available at all stations where the trains halt to carry passengers to their onward destinations. Finally and crucially, the circular railway, however speedy, punctual or economical, would not be financially viable if it were to rely entirely on the fares commuters can afford to pay or are willing to pay.

City mass transport — rail or bus — all over the world is subsidised. It is viewed as a social function of the government and not a business venture. The economic gains are invisible but many. Getting to work on time is just one of them.

The KCR will be in trouble and bus transport will continue to deteriorate if the government does not find a way to subsidise both. Secondly, Pakistan, like the rest of the world, must convince the private sector to manage transport services while the government invests in infrastructure.
To encourage bus service, the price of vehicles can be subsidised and fares adjusted from time to time to keep pace with operating costs. Shahbaz Sharif’s first government did this in Lahore with some measure of success.

Wage earners queuing for wheat flour and sugar and then jostling to get into a rickety bus may not bring a government down, but they will remain a threat to public order. This threat looms larger in Karachi than elsewhere for it is the only megalopolis in the world where public transport is run by a mafia. Where the state shirks responsibility mafias take over. In Karachi they provide a service which the state or civic authority should but does not.

Dubai Metro Inaugurated

The gorgeous and most modern Dubai Metro is inaugurated ...............

http://www.gulfnews.com/gntv/videos/10347766.html


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8249161.stm

Mass Transit System to Start Soon: Shahbaz Sharif

Big news for Lahore................... Way to Go
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Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said the Mass Transit Project is of paramount importance and the Punjab government wants to launch it immediately to provide better facilities of communication to people.

He said provision of comfortable and quality travelling facilities to the masses was top priority of the government and a strategy had been adopted in this regard.

Talking to a delegation of Chinese company, Norinco International, led by its Vice-President Mr Hu Farong here on Tuesday, the chief minister said China was extending full cooperation in various development sectors, adding that Pak-China friendship was immortal and peoples of both the countries had great love for each other. He said Norinco International and thePunjab government could jointly start the Mass Transit Project.

Mr Shahbaz lauded the cooperation of China in various sectors in Punjab and added that an agreement of provision of CNG buses with a Chinese company had been recently signed under which CNG buses would ply in the big cities of the province and the project had been started from the provincial metropolis. Similarly, an agreement of BT Cotton Technology had been signed with another Chinese company, he said, adding thatChina was also cooperating with the government in different sectors, including Heavy Mechanical Complex, and his government wanted China to come forward in the Mass Transit Project and review to start this important joint venture.

The chief minister saidChina had made great progress in various sectors in a very short span of time and Pakistan wanted to benefit from Chinese progress and its latest technology.

He said that he had witnessed metro train during his recent visit toIran and he wanted to start such an important project as soon as possible. He said a joint committee could be constituted which could be helpful for furthering the project after holding discussions about it. He said Pakistan is a developing country and its resources were limited, therefore, the mass transit project should be completed as a low cost masterpiece by remaining within limited resources. He said mass transit project would prove to be a milestone with regard to development of the province and provision of better travelling facilities to the citizens.

It was agreed during the meeting that Chinese company, Norinco International, andPunjab government could start the Mass Transit Project as a joint venture.

Head of the delegation, Mr Hu Farong said the chief minister had done a lot of work on the Mass Transit Project and they would soon present a course of action in this regard. He agreed that a joint committee could also be constituted to start the project jointly. Earlier, Transport secretary gave a detailed briefing regarding various aspects of the Mass Transit Project and site visits.The Industries secretary and Punjab Investment Board deputy chairman were also present.Those who met the chief minister included Mr Sun Wankqi, the deputy general manager Engineering Department of Norinco Company, Ms Cui Dongjian, project manager, International Engineering, representative of Norinco Business in Islamabad Mr Yin Lujon, Chief Executive Officer of Fecto Technologies, Pakistan, Muhammad Yasin, Senior Manager Business Development Fecto Technologies Pakistan Lt Col (R) Sohail Ahmad, Business Development Senior Manager Capt (R) Shahnawaz and Consultant Mazhar Iqbal.

Karachi Circular Railway Approved

Big news for Karachi ...........................I hope this project is really materialzied.

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The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved on Thursday 20 projects – valued at Rs 259.4 billion with a foreign exchange component of Rs 149 billion – including the Rs 128.5 revival of the billion Karachi circular railway as a modern commuter system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_v-V8d_TSM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Edawnnews%2Etv%2Fwps%2Fwcm%2Fconnect%2Fdawn%2Dcontent%2Dlibrary%2Fdawn%2Fnews%2Fpakistan%2Fmetropolitan%2F09%2Dgreen%2Dsignal%2Dfor%2Dkarachi%2Dcircular&feature=player_embedded#t=54

Briefing the media after the meeting, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said the ECNEC, presided over by the Finance Minister, approved the Karachi Circular Railways project, but also decided to have a third party evaluation of Rs 128.60 billion project to ensure transparency in utilisation of funds. The Minister said similar projects would also be initiated in other big cities to facilitate the people.

Report on Current Transport Scenario of Pakistan

The Current Transport Scenario of Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

1. Importance of transport for national development is too well known to be reiterated. Like all other national economies transport sector in Pakistan is also playing a significant role. My brief presentation will cover the following aspects:(a) Road Transport (b) Rail Transport (c) Sea Transport (d) Air Transport (e) Multimodal Transport (f) Role of CILT Pakistan in improvement of transport sector (g) Conclusion ROAD TRANSPORT

2. Pakistan has following types of roads:

(a) Highways: (i) National Highway from Karachi to Torkham at Afghan Border (ii) RCD Highway from Karachi to Iranian Border along the coast. (b) Roads: (i) Urban area roads (ii) Inter Provincial Roads under the National Highway Authority (iii) District Roads under the respective districts (iv) Rural Roads including farm to market roads (v) Desert Roads in Cholistan and Thal

3. Urban Transport:

(a) The major urban centres of Pakistan are:(i) Karachi with a population of about 18 millions (7th largest city in the world)
(ii) Lahore – 8 million (iii) Faisalabad – 4 million (iv) Hyderabad – 3 million (v) Rawalpindi / Islamabad – 1 million (b) Of the above Karachi and Lahore need a mass transit system (c) At present all urban transport is based on buses, mini buses and taxis (d) Although Karachi and Lahore must have a rail based mass transit system, inspite of discussions and debates of the last 30 years, no mass transit system has materialized so far. (e) Karachi has a circular railway established in 1950s’ when Karachi’s population was about 4 millions. Only about 5% of urban commuters use the circular railway as it does not cover the main population centres of Karachi. (f) World Bank carried out two workshops on the subjects but nothing has materialized on the ground.

4. Intercity Transport. It is based entirely on buses except for the few cities which are located on the main railway line from Karachi to Landi Kotal and Karachi to Chaman on Afghan Border. .

5. Control of Road Transport:

(a) Ownership and control of road transport has undergone many changes during the last 50 years (b) Initially all public transport was in the private sector (c) Subsequently it was transferred to public sector corporations in the provinces. (d) In the sixties, public sector corporations were disbanded and all bus transport came under the ownership and control of private operators. (e) Due to public agitation and unsatisfactory performance of private operators, provincial transport authorities started exercising greater control over the private operators.

6. RAIL TRANSPORT

Pakistan Railways forms the life line of the country by catering to its needs for large scale movement of freight as well as passenger traffic. It not only contributes Pakistan economic growth but also promotes national integration.

7. Pakistan Railways, which now comprises 8,774,87 route-kilometers, 781 stations and 42 train halts, came into existence on 13th May, 1861 when Karachi and Kotri, (169 kilometres apart) were linked by rail. In February, 1961, the Railway was renamed as Pakistan Western Railway and in May,1974 as Pakistan Railways.

8. At the time of independence the Railway system inherited by Pakistan was known as NWR (North Western Railway) in West Pakistan and NER (North Eastern Railways) in East Pakistan. In February, 1961 NWR and NER were abolished and the railway system both in East and West were renamed as Pakistan Eastern and Pakistan Western Railways.

9. In May, 1974, Pakistan Western Railway was renamed as Pakistan Railways.

10. Pakistan Railways is a multi-gauge system and operates on three gauges, i.e. broad-gauge, metre-gauge and narrow-gauge. The gauge-wise route length and track length of Pakistan Railways on 30th June,1996 was as under:ROUTE & TRACK LENGTH
Route kilometers Track Kilometres

Broad-gauge 7,718.37 11,343.52 Metre-gauge 445.40 555.10 Narrow-gauge 611.10 726.11
Total 8,774.87 12,624.73

11. The Section of the Railways from Hyderabad to Mirpurkhas and beyond upto the Indian Border (200 kilometres named as zero point) was converted into a broad gauge. In the Indian side the last station was Mana Bhao. When India and Pakistan decided to establish a direct train link, the Indians also extended their railway line from Mana Bhao upto the zero point. The direct train service was started in February, 2006. The special train from Karachi to Zero Point is operating once a week.

This has enabled Pakistani nationals to travel to other destination in India by rail. Similarly the Indian nationals wanting to visit Pakistan also travel by rail. 12. Organization. The Ministry of Railways has a Railway Board which comprises of the Chairman and four Members. The Chairman of the Board is ex-officio Secretary to the Government of Pakistan. The four Members of the Board namely Member Traffic, Member Mechanical Engineering, Member Civil Engineering and Member Finance are ex-officio Additional Secretaries to the Government of Pakistan. The Railway Board functions as a policy, planning and review Board and has six functional units as under:

(a) Railway Operations Unit (b) Production Unit-I (Carriage Factory Islamabad, Automatic Vehicle Launching Bridge Section and Steel Shop) (c) Production Unit-II (Locomotive Factory at Rawalpindi and Risalpur Locomotive Rehabilitation Project) (d) Production Unit-III (Concrete Sleeper Factories and Flash Butt Welding Plant, Sukkur) (e) RAILCOP (Railway Construction Company Pakistan Limited) (f) PRACS (Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services Limited. 13. The Railway Operation Unit: The Railway Operation Unit is exclusively responsible for the working of the rail transport.

This is headed by the General Manager, who is the Chief Executive. He is assisted by four Additional General Managers, who look after Business, Engineering, Industrial Relations and Material Management and Principal Officers of various departments.

14. The Railway Operations Unit is managed through Divisional system under which the Railway has been divided into seven Operating Divisions and one Workshops Division, each headed by a Divisional Superintendent. He is assisted by the divisional officers of various departments, such as Personnel, Transportation, Commercial, mechanical, Way & Works, Signalling and Telecommunications and Electrical. Medical and Railway Police operate under the General Manager.

15. Production Units. Pakistan Railways has always laid great emphasis on acquiring self sufficiency in railway equipment. Accordingly, various production units have been separated to form independent units to make them self sufficient within their respective frame works. Currently Pakistan Railways has three main production units as under:(a) Carriage Factory, Islamabad. (b) Locomotive Factory, Rislapur: (i) To acquire self-sufficiency in the production of diesel electric locomotives, Pakistan Railways has set up a Locomotive Factory near Risalpur. (ii) The Factory is provided with most modern plant and equipment to ensure quality production. So far it has manufactured 5 D.E locomotives of 2000 HP. There is a plan to start manufacture of 1000 HP Locomotives shortly. (c) Concrete Sleeper Factories: Pakistan Railways inherited the permanent way with high percentage of overage sleepers requiring large scale sleepers’ renewals. Hence Pakistan Railways decided to switch over to concrete sleepers. Initially manufacture of R.C.C. Twin Block sleepers was started at Bridge Workshop Jhelum.

The first prestressed Concrete Sleeper factory of the Indo Pak Sub continent was established at Sukkur in 1967 with the capacity of 70,000 sleepers per annum in single shift. The major break through in production of concrete sleepers within the country was achieved with the installation of four other sleeper factories at Khanewal, Kotri, Shahinabad and Kohat Cantt.

16. Pakistan Railway Advisory & Consultancy Services (PRACS):

(a) Established in 1976 with Head Office in Lahore, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pakistan Railways and has a panel of consultants with extensive experience in important disciplines like operations, research, marketing, personnel management, all engineering fields & railway finance. (b) Main objectives of the company are to carry out consultancy, advisory, designing, surveying, architecture, building and manufacturing of rolling stock, plant & machinery for maintenance, construction, development and improvement of railway track and bridges. (c) Operating 13 Reservation & Information Offices with improved service to the passengers at suitable locations at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi / Islamabad. (d) Managing “Khyber Steam Safari” train between Peshawar and Landi Kotal stations on historic Khyber Pass to promote tourism through Railways in line with the policies of the Government of Pakistan. Two old steam locomotives zig-zaging their way in hills is a rare delight for tourists. 17. Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited (RAILCOP):(a) Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited is a subsidiary of Ministry of Railways. (b) The Company is headed by a Managing Director and is governed by the Board of Directors, whose Members are the Members of Railway Board, Secretary Railway Board and General Manager Pakistan Railways with Chairman Railway Board as its Chairman.

(c) RAILCOP offers services in all engineering fields like railways, roads, bridges, public health engineering, telecommunication, power generation and transmission etc. RAILCOP besides undertaking a number of projects, completed a prestigious project of High Speed Railway Line between Riyadh and Dammam (Hofuf Section of 160 KM length). The company has constructed a number of bridges over railway tracks, canals and flyovers. The company also deals in manufacture and supply of railway materials. (d) RAILCOP is manned by professional railway employees. AIR TRANSPORT

18. PIA was established in 1950, They started operating in domestic routes and subsequently extended their operation to international destinations. PIA is currently operating to Toronto, New York, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Paris, Copenhagen, Oslo, Milan, Istanbul, Riyadh, Dammam, Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jeddah, Al-ain, Muscat, Kabul, Mumbai, Delhi, Katmandu, Dhaka, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur on international routes. Domestic destinations are Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, Quetta, Turbat and Gawadar.

19. About 10 years back the government decided to deregulate air transport industry and private airlines started operating. Currently Aero Asia and Shaheen Air are the main private airline serving various national and international destinations. Recently Air Blue has been established and is operating very efficiently. A new private airline (Pearl Air) is also being established.

20. Civil Aviation Authority, which is a government organization, is the regulating agency for all foreign and national airlines. They are the owners of all airports in the country. SEA TRANSPORT

21. There are three sea ports in Pakistan – Karachi Port Trust , Port Qasim Authority and Gawadar Port. 22. Karachi Port Trust: (a) Karachi Port has contributed tremendously in the economy of the country and has been instrumental in developing Karachi as an industrial centre and economic backbone of the country. (b) Karachi is a natural harbour, which has developed over more than 150 years after a process of construction, reclamation and dredging. Presently Karachi Port has an 11 km long approach channel and there are western and eastern (Chinna Creek) backwaters with mangrove clusters. (c) In 1947, Karachi Port had 29 berths with a 9 metre depth and handling 1.5 million tones of dry cargo. (d) Currently KPT has 30 dry and 3 liquid product handling berths with a depth of 12.5 metres. (e) The port is handling about 12 million tons of dry cargo and 14 million tons of liquid cargo.

23. Port Qasim Authority: (a) Karachi is the only port city of Pakistan which serves as principal gateway to the country. Almost all external trade is handled by its two major operational ports, Karachi Port and Port Qasim. Port Qasim Authority (PQA), which was founded by Government of Pakistan in 1972, has 12,220 acres of land. (b) Industrial and Commercial Units (i) 91 units are operational. (ii) 50 units are under construction. (iii) Land utilized by the units in operation is 1,600 Acres. (c) Port Qasim has been developed on the coastline of Arabian Sea. The port is accessible through sea and is well connected with the hinterland through road and railway networks. (d) A number of multinational companies have invested in some of the projects. A large network of industries such as fertilizer, polymers and chemicals, oil extraction and refineries, industrial gases, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and engineering goods have been established.

24. Gawadar Port:(a) Initially Gawadar was a Fish Harbour and mini port. Subsequently, the government of Pakistan decided to make it into the third sea port of Pakistan by developing it as a deep water port capable of accommodating 50,000 DWT class vessels. (b) Coastal Highway from Karachi has been developed which has reduced the travel time to about 8 hours. In addition work for extension of national motorway (M-8) from Ratadero in Sindh to Gawadar is in progress. (c) The port was completed in February,2007 and was inaugurated by the President of Pakistan in March,2007. (d) The management of the port has the been entrusted to Port of Singapore Authority which has the reputation of being the most efficient port in the world.

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT

25. At present, Pakistan’s foreign trade is based on traditional trade and transport procedures and documents. This results in high cost of exports and imports. 26. To improve Pakistan’s foreign trade to international standards it is imperative to develop the country’s transport and trade facilitation process. As Pakistan is planning to establish a National Trade Corridor from Karachi to Peshawar adoption of multimodal transport system can be very useful.

27. Currently road and rail are extensively being used for carriage of goods from Karachi to Peshawar and from Karachi to Quetta. Movement of cargo by air to domestic destinations is very small. However, it is being used for destination in the Middle East and Far East. Therefore, introduction of multimodal transport system is under consideration. THE ROLE OF CILT PAKISTAN IN IMPROVEMENT OF
TRANSPORT SECTOR
28. CILT Pakistan has introduced and institutionalized education in transport. We started Post Graduate Diploma in Transport in 1984 and Masters in Transport Management in 1996 in conjunction with Karachi University. CILT Pakistan has also introduced short courses in Freight Forwarding, Certified Human Resource Manager Program and Service Quality Management in Transport. 29. We have conducted the following seminars:a. Role of Transport in National Development" - April,1978. b. "Transport Perspectives in National Development" - May,1982. c. "Transport for the Changing World with Special Reference to Pakistan" Nov,1985. d. "Inland Water Transport with Special Reference to Pakistan" March,1987. e. "Road Transport in Pakistan - Problems of the Sixth Plan and Prospects of the Seventh Plan" - March,1988. f. "Marine Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis" - Jun,1988. g. "Inter Modal Transport and Its Significance for Pakistan" - March,1989. h. Follow up Seminar on "Inland Water Transport" - February,1990. j. "Trade and Transport with Central Asian States" -April,1992. k. "Gawadar Port - Present Plans and Future Prospects" - December,1992. l. "Multi Modal Transport with Special Reference to the Role of Pakistan Railways" -April,1993 m. "Pakistan's Transport Scenario at the Threshold of the Twenty First Century" - March,1994. n. "Freight Forwarding Problems and Prospects in Pakistan and Role of Containers Freight Station" - January,1995 o. "Privatization of Transport in Pakistan - Progress and Prospects" March,1995. p. International Conference on "Transport and Environment" on 14-15 October,1996. q. International Conference on "Privatization of Rail Transport in Developing Countries" on 3-4 Nov,1997. r. Seminar on "Public Transport System in Sindh - Problems & Progress" on 28 November,98. s. Joint Seminar by CIT Pakistan and Royal Aeronautical Society Pakistan division on "Aviation in Pakistan - Present Status, Problems and Prospects" on 7th December, 1999. t. Another joint Seminar organized by CIT Pakistan and Royal Aeronautical Society Pakistan division on "Transport and Safety" was on 7th October, 2000.

u. Seminar on “Advance Cargo Information System” on 5th August, 2002 v. Conference on “Transport Education” on 19th Sept, 2002 w. Seminar on “Afghan Transit Trade & Role of Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport” was organized by CILT Peshawar Section on 13th June, 2003 x. Seminar on “Karachi Rail Based Mass Transit System in Global Context” on 27th September, 2003 y. Seminar on “Revival of Pakistan Railways and Future Prospects of Rail Transportation to Central Asia” on 31st March, 2004 z. International Seminar on “Rail Based Urban Transport Systems for Principal Pakistan Cities” on 13 and 14 October, 2004 aa. Half day Seminar on “Ship Owning and Legislation” on 27th November, 2004 bb. International Seminar on “Prospects of Developing Regional Tourism and
Role of Different Modes of Transport” on 11 and 12 July, 2005

cc. International Conference on “Role of Transport and Logistics in National Disasters with Special Reference to the Earthquake of 8th October, 2005” on 14 and 15 March, 2006 dd. International Seminar on “Supply Chain Management and Role of Pakistan Railways” on 16th November, 2006

CONCLUSION

30. During the last 60 years the transport system of Pakistan has gradually improved. The country is well served by land based systems as well as air travel facilities. Rail based transit system for Karachi and Lahore, however, is a dire necessity which needs early introduction. 31. Take questions from the audience.