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
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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.
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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
Sunday, November 22, 2009
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.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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
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
Monday, November 16, 2009
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.
"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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 9, 2009
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. | |
Sunday, November 8, 2009
German Wonderful Trains .......... Wow
Intercity-Express (ICE)
S-Bahn
The S-Bahn runs frequently and is the basic means of travelling within cities and high density areas.
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.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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
Sunday, November 1, 2009
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.
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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.
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