Deal on Pre-feasibility Study of Pakistan-China rail link Signed
By Sheeraz Aslam 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways on Monday signed a pre-feasibility study project for new rail link from Havelian to Khunjrab with a German and Austrian firm (ILF Consulting Engineers).

Report says that M/s ILF Consulting Engineers quoted the lowest rates of Rs 72.50 million for the project in the tender, which was participated by three other firms.

This project would be jointly carried out by Chinese firm M/s Dongfang, which was the second lowest in the bid.

Pakistan Railways had asked the firm to bring lower their offer, matching with the lowest, so that the project could be jointly awarded.

The firm, accordingly reduced their bid and an agreement to this effect was already signed in Lahore between Pakistan Railways and the firm.

The agreement with the ILF Consulting Engineers was signed by General Manager Operations Assad Saeed.

Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was also there to witness the signing of the agreement.

The pre-feasibility study of the route is stretch over a length of 750km.

The project would be completed within nine months.

Minister for Railways speaking on the occasion said, Pakistan Railways is making all out efforts to make the country a regional transit hub and integrate it into the regional rail network up to the neighbouring countries.

Since the railways link with India and Iran already exists, while feasibility study for rail link from Chaman to Kandhar (Afghanistan) has already been completed.●