LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan Railways and Iranian Railways administrations have decided to restart a fortnightly passenger train between the two Countries before Muharram.
According to the PR sources here on Thursday, the decision was taken in a joint meeting of authorities of the two Countries after the improved security situation in the region.
It was decided that train would go up to Mashhad or Qom in Iran.
The regular running of 15 freight trains, on demand of merchants, between Quetta and Zahedan was also discussed in the meeting.
The proposed dates for trains would be shared by Iranian side.
The up-gradation of Spezand and Taftan (ML-III) section was also discussed. The request for proposal (RFP) for upgradation of existing feasibility study of ML-III is in progress and it would be accomplished in 2018.
The upgradation includes complete replacement of track structure, conversion of 183 dips into bridges, rehabilitation of old bridges and provision of proper signalling.
Usually liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran is imported via road. The Pakistan Railways has now proposed for specialised containers to transport LPG from Iran. The PR has also offered concession in its freight structure to promote trade through railways.
The Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Train was also discussed. The Railways said that merchants were discouraged due to change of destination from Istanbul to Kosekoy. So Pakistani side requested Iran to persuade ECO secretariat for revival of the ECO train up to Istanbul, instead of Kosekoy.
The PR also mentioned that revision of 1,959 Agreement between Pakistan Railways and Iranian Railways is under process.
The Pakistan Railways has also revived communication with Taftan section on magneto telephone. The Iranian Railways has demanded for import of mechanical and civil material from Pakistan Railways.
The Iranian delegation was headed by Majid Arjouni, DG Zahidan Railways.
The meeting, attended by senior PR officers, was chaired by Zubair Shafi Ghauri, Secretary Railway Board, and Ministry of Railways.
