Karachi-Gwadar ferry service to start in March

Besides cargo, it will have capacity to carry 400 passengers

ISLAMABAD:

The Ministry of Ports and Shipping is all set to start a ferry service between Karachi and Gwadar from March in an effort to facilitate both cargo and passenger traffic including trips for tourists.

The first-ever ferry service from the country’s industrial hub to the newly developed port city will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the middle of next month.



During his visit to Gwadar in January, the premier had issued instructions for making arrangements in this regard.

He felt the need of the service in order to facilitate general commuters and tourists as well as security officials and civilians who were working in Gwadar and asked the ports and shipping authorities to start the facility immediately.

In addition to the cargo, the vessel would have the capacity to accommodate more than 400 passengers.

“The ferry will carry tourists, officials and general passengers between Karachi and Gwadar and will be faster than land transport,” said an official in the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. “This step will largely address the trouble faced by people travelling between the two cities.”

The ferry will take almost 13 hours to reach Gwadar from Karachi and offer healthcare services, a high-standard cafeteria and other basic facilities. It will run three days a week as well as on weekend.

According to the official, the service is aimed at facilitating the passengers that commute between the two port cities and the government will bear an annual subsidy of around Rs44 million on the fare.

With the departure of the ship from Karachi Port, maritime security personnel would provide foolproof security throughout the journey, he said.



In the next phase, another ferry service is expected to be launched between Karachi Port and the Chabahar Port of Iran for passengers. In this regard, arrangements are being made by the two sides.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2016.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.