Pakistan allocates Rs 5000 million for up-gradation of CPEC projects

Islamabad: The government has allocated Pakistani Rs 5000 million for up-gradation of Pakistan Railways’ existing Main Line-I (ML-1) and establishment of Dry Port near Havelian (2018-22) Phase-1 under the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A government spokesperson said an amount of Rs 6000 million has been kept for four new schemes, out of which Rs 5000 million would be utilized for up-gradation of Pakistan Railways existing Main Line-I and establishment of Dry Port near Havelian (2018-22) Phase-1 under the CPEC.

The federal government has also allocated Rs.2300 million in the current Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to repair about 100 diesel-electric locomotives, the spokesperson said.

The government set aside funds amounting to Rs 32, 648.036 million for the execution of 36 ongoing and new projects of the Railways Division, he added in an official statement.

About Rs 26,648.036 million have been earmarked for 32 ongoing projects, out of which Rs15974.500 million has been reserved for procurement and manufacturing of 820 High Capacity Bogie Freight Wagons and 230 passenger coaches.

Similarly, an amount of Rs1000 million was earmarked for the replacement of old and obsolete Signal Gear from the Lodhran-Multan-Khanewal-Shahdara Bagh Mainline section of Pakistan Railways.

An amount of Rs 600 million would be utilized for the replacement of track machines. Rs 200 million allocated for conversion of the braking system from vacuum brake to air brake.