“The main aim of the link is to connect the Central Asian Republics with the Pakistan Railways Network,” says Song Shuan Ping. PHOTO: FILE
The offer was made to Minister for Railways Khwaja Sa’ad Rafique on behalf of the consortium in a detailed presentation carried out by Song Shuan Ping. The loan can be treated as a professional loan, commercial loan or a grant and will be payable in seven years.
Pointing out the strategic importance of Gwadar-Khunjrab Rail Link, Ping listed a number of benefits which could be availed once the project was operational. “The main aim of the link is to connect the Central Asian Republics with the Pakistan Railways Network,” said Ping. “This will immensely improve trade relations between China and Pakistan.”
Ping further pointed out that this rail link can be used to supply oil from the Persian Gulf to Pakistan. Additionally, this network will bring tourism in Pakistan and create employment in Balochistan.
While presenting their proposal, the representatives of the consortium suggested using electric traction as compared to the currently used diesel traction. They added that the use of electric traction will bring an added benefit of electricity on trains and railway stations. The team pointed out that electric traction has substantial benefits of approximately Rs32 billion per annum which included saving fuel cost, less staff required and elimination of power vans.
Rafique appreciated the offer by the Chinese companies. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has highlighted the importance of the Gwader-Khunjrab Rail link several times,” said Rafique. “The offer will be given serious consideration and a decision will be reached soon.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2013.
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@Asad Khan: Fully Agreed Chance of A Lifetime
@LoyalPakistani: Not so fast Mr. Loyal,
Chinese do not deal in peanuts, They are buying stuff worldwide and they bought the Canadian Tar Sands as well.
Further, we don't even have the luxury to upgrade the existing port infrastructure at KPT let alone the money to construct the port by itself like Gwadar.
Gen Pervaiz had taken the loan from China for specifically to construct the Gwadar port, he did it in time, China is happy that Pak is worth of its salt. Now, the force multiplier Gwadar-Khunjarab link is coming. Pak is under IMF programme, Pak does not have the kitty for such massive projects which are absolutely vital for Pak.
Our good old Uncle Sam is not even waving us gas from Iran let alone keep push us for do more.
Had we been not on friendly terms with China all these past years, the West & India shackled up Pak long ago.
We should be thankful to the Chinese. Long Live Pak China Friendship.
regards,
they should do it for free as they would be benefitting. Also ask them to confirm minimum load which they would transfer thru this for traiff
Would loooooooove to go on a ride on this one.....so many unexplored spaces...plz Mr PM take a decision soon.....
Now the race will begin for their piece of the pie. All the politicos and bureaucrats will be asking 'what's in it for me?'
PUBLIC MUST KNOW THE TERMS, hope its not given to the chinese for peanuts like always
Good news. Govt should take decision as soon as possible.
It is a good project with immense Geo-strategic + Geo-economic dimension. China has certainly the money to finance it. The main thing is that what will be the time frame of completion of this project.
regards,