Infrastructure and Transport News

[Neo]

Metro train service: 'feasibility studies in eight cities to start soon'

ISLAMABAD (May 11 2007): Feasibility studies for launching of metro train service will be conducted in eight major cities of the country, including Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan and Hyderabad-Kotri, soon.

Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said this, while replying to a question from Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan during the question hour in the National Assembly on Thursday.

He informed the House that revalidation of feasibility study for revival of Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) was being done by Pakistan Railways through international consultant, who would submit the report within two months.

He said that feasibility studies for operation of metro train service in the cities of Karachi and Lahore were being conducted by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and Punjab government respectively.

The Railways Minister also informed the House that feasibility study for laying rail track in southern districts of NWFP to link these areas with Karachi was being carried out. The new track would reduce 300 to 400 kilometres distance between Karachi and southern districts of NWFP, he added.

To a question from Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, the Minister said that during 2006 Pakistan Railways earned Rs 9762.542 million through passenger trains. Replying to a supplementary question, he said that after collapse of Run Pathani Bridge, the government was taking steps to rehabilitate old railway bridges. He said that talks with Russia were being held in this connection.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=562353&currPageNo=3&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

AEDB helps private sector develop solar streetlights

ISLAMABAD (May 12 2007): The National Assembly was informed that private sector has been able to develop high quality solar streetlights with the patronage of the Alternative Energy Development Board.

The Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi said in a reply to a question in the National Assembly that AEDB is now approaching various agencies and local authorities like CDA, GDA, provincial governments and housing authorities to replace the conventional street lights with solar streetlights.

The minister was replying to a question by Begum Ishrat Ashraf who wanted to know if there was a proposal to utilise solar energy for streetlights. The minister said that the Energy Board is facilitating the private sector to develop solar streetlights.

In reply to another question about the arrears of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), in NWFP and Fata asked by Sabir Hussain Awan, the minister said that the public sector owed more than Rs 1.3 billion and several steps were being taken to recover them. The receivables of Pesco on February 28, 2007 were Rs 591 million from the provincial government departments and Rs 715 million from federal government departments.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=562693&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[ahussains]

We are facing a tough time in terms of power shortage we have to speed up it all ,,, The time is running did build a dam from last 35 years or so ... at least 2 to 3 dams on the high priorty and in very short time were build also trying to accuire some alternatie power sources too . like solar energy , and some nuclear power plants also have to installed too...

 

[Neo]

Malaysia To Build Two Highways Worth US$102.6 Million In Pakistan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry through CIDB Malaysia and the National Highway Authority (NHA) of Pakistan today sealed an agreement worth US$102.6 million to build two highways in Pakistan.

The highways are namely the 29 km US$46 million Karachi Northern Bypass and the 56 km Rawalpindi Bypass and Northern Interchange estimated to cost US$56.6 million.

The projects mark the first of such partnership between the Malaysian and Pakistani governments.

Both projects will be implemented on a Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis and carried out by a CIDB-led consortium consisting of HCM Engineering Bhd and Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd, Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding here.

The MoU was signed by NHA general manager Hassan Rind and CIDB chairman, Tan Sri Ir Jamilus Hussein.

"Initial assessment shows that both the projects potentially have more than 20 percent internal rate of return. I've planned to go to Pakistan early next month to study and expedite the implementation of the projects," Samy said at a press conference later.

MinConsult Sdn Bhd will conduct a feasibility on the projects, he added.

This new partnership comes after the cancelled Khanewa-Faisalabad Motorway project which was signed in April 2005. The project was cancelled after a feasibility study showed that it was an unsuitable project.

To date, IJM Corporation Bhd is the only Malaysian company involved in infrastructure construction in Pakistan. It is building an elevated expressway along Shahrah-E-Faisal from the Quaidabad Intersection to Jinnah Bridge in Karachi.

The project, estimated to cost RM830 million, commenced last February and is expected to be completed in June 2010.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Communications Minister Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui who was also present said the country currently has US$8 billion worth of infrastructure projects to be rolled out by 2012.

"We welcome more companies from Malaysia to vie for these infrastructure projects," he said.

Samy added that he has also submitted 11 class A contractors name to the Pakistan's authority for its upcoming projects.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=261831

 

[Neo]

May 15, 2007
Govt okays Rs3bn plan to revamp Karachi Shipyard

ISLAMABAD, May 14: The government has allowed Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) to launch its Rs3 billion modernisation programme to regain the business it had lost because of its "dilapidated”.

Official sources told Dawn on Monday that the ministry of defence had proposed the modernisation and up-gradation plan for KSEW to help fetch business amounting to Rs1.5 billion along with foreign exchange earnings of about $7.28 million annually.

The plan envisages enhancement of existing capacity of ship repair at KSEW by installation of a "ship lift system" and replacing old and obsolete machines with state-of-the-art new machines.

The new system will be capable of lifting vessels up to 4,000 tons and capability to repair 10 to 13 ships at a time. At present KSEW has two dry docks of 26,000 DWT tons and 18,000 DWT tons constructed in 1956 and 1970, having average capacity to repair 16 ships per annum. This will be increased to 39 ships per annum in addition to the existing capacity with installation of new ship-lift-system.

The scope of work will include Installation of ship-lift-system, transfer system, up-gradation of existing technology, marine civil works and procurement of new equipment.

The KSEW is the only shipyard in the country, which possesses comprehensive ship repair infrastructure. Before this facility was set up, Pakistani ships had to go to Malta for underwater repairs. Since its inception these limited facilities were fully utilised for domestic and foreign ship repairs.

However, these facilities have not been upgraded since their initial installation in 1957. Hence the demand and requirement is much more than the present capacity. Sources said that due to gradual increase in naval and commercial fleet and domestic ports the existing docks facilities have become inadequate.

This has created dual negative effects i.e. ships are not getting repairs in time and on the other hand losing business to the tune of Rs1.5 billion per annum. At present, it is not possible to entertain foreign ships’ clientele, although the sea trade at Pakistani ports is increasing at a brisk rate since Pakistan Navy (PN), Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Gwadar Port and Maritime Security Agency (MSA) have plans to rehabilitate and increase their existing fleets.

The ship owners are forced either to wait for prolonged periods or are constrained to send their ships to Dubai or elsewhere for repairs. Even the foreign fishing trawlers operating in Pakistani waters are forced to go to Dubai/Singapore for dry docking and repairs.At present location of KSEW has limitation of depth of water channel. To address this problem, KSEW will request KPT for allocation of requisite space at the deep draught container terminal and the cargo village being planned by KPT.

The project for overall revamping of shipyard costing Rs1.9 billion was first considered by the CDWP in its meeting held on February 18 2003. The CDWP decided to return the PC-I to the sponsoring agency with the direction that they should engage a renowned consultant to undertake a feasibility study to justify rehabilitation of KSEW.

Although the CDWP has approved the project, it observed that instead of undertaking feasibility study through engaging renowned consultants, the sponsoring agency, after more than 5 years, have come up with a PC-I costing Rs3 billion (53 per cent higher than the previous cost) with different nomenclature albeit the scope of work is similar (and lesser) to the BMR programme of the KSEW.

The sponsoring agency has been asked to clarify the position along with progress made so far as a follow-up of the CDWP decision.

It is stated in the PC-I that with the existing 2 dry docks, KSEW is able to repair 16 ships per year at an average rate. In this behalf, the sponsoring agency was asked to provide list of ships/vessels (including foreign and local) repaired/constructed along with tonnage during the last 5 years period. Inventory of major machinery resting with the KSEW should also be provided.

According to the PC-I, Rs153 million has been indicated as annual operating cost after completion of the project. The sponsoring agency was asked to indicate the source of funding to meet these expenses.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/15/ebr5.htm

 

[Neo]

NHA wants Rs 14 billion for realignment of Karakoram Highway

ISLAMABAD (May 17 2007): The National Highway Authority (NHA) has sought an amount of around Rs 14 billion for the realignment of Karakoram Highway (KKH), a large portion of which is to be submerged by Diamer-Basha Dam, sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday.

The NHA has submitted PC-I to the Planning and Development (P&D) Division and the proposed project would be discussed by the concerned authorities in the meeting of Central Development Working Party (CDWP) today (Thursday). The CDWP will also consider 51 other projects valuing around Rs 24 billion.

In Transport & Communications sector, the CDWP will, apart from KKH realignment, consider 14 other projects costing around Rs 14 billion. Other projects in Transport & Communications sector include setting up optical imaging payload facility, setting up of design, development & testing of special metallic joint, remote sensing data transmission facility, development of dynamic system test facility, design & development of a compact antenna test range, construction of Bostan-Zhob narrow gauge section into broad gauge, provision of railway tracks for setting up dry port at Prem Nagar, including acquisition of land, construction of grade separated interchange at Nagan Chorangi, construction of black top road from Tellimute to Doli Post. There are some other small projects in the transport and communication sector.

In water sector, the meeting would take up four projects of Rs 2.03 billion for approval including Resettlement Action Plan for Mirani Dam affectees of Rs 1.184 billion, construction of Lougher dam and Karak dam in district Karak, and Darmalak dam in district Kohat.

The CDWP will also consider nine schemes in physical planning and housing sector. In the energy sector, the meeting will accord approval to the construction of 132 KV grid station in sector 1-16 Islamabad with the cost of Rs 323.69 million.

In Health sector, the meeting will take up two projects worth Rs 918.861 million which include provision of stereotactic radio surgery system at JPMC Karachi and construction of surgical medical block, JCO ward and other allied facilities.

The meeting will also approve the most important project about strengthening of regulatory infrastructure by applying innovative radioactive waste management technology valuing Rs 338 million.

In higher education sector, the meeting will take up three projects of Rs 1.835 billion for approval, which include establishment of national law university, Islamabad, strengthening of departments of Economics Business Administration, Commerce & Applied Economics Research Centre at Karachi University and provision of higher education opportunity for students of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=565233&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway to open by year-end: NHA reviews works progress

PESHAWAR (May 17 2007): The National Highway Authority (NHA) is likely to open the entire Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway (M-1), for all traffic, by the end of the current calendar year.

"The construction work is in advanced stage of completion, and M-1 will be made operational as per schedule," announced General Manager Operation, NHA, Arshad Mahmood, in his keynote address to stakeholders' consultation meeting held here at Peshawar Garrison Services Club on Wednesday.

He said that roads projects of Rs 63 billion were in progress in different parts of the country, which would give a tremendous boost to national economy besides facilitating the flow of foreign trade through the eastern and western corridors of the country to Afghanistan, Central Asia and other parts of the world.

He said that the Authority was also working on Pindi Bhatian-Faisalabad, Sukkur-Shikarpur, Rothedero-Karachi via Dadu, Rothedero-Gawadar, Karachi-Hyderabad Expressway, and Peshawar-Torkham Expressway. He said that foreign donors including Asian Development Bank, Jica and China were providing valuable financial assistance for these vital developmental projects.

He said that the road network in the country had undergone massive expansion over the past few decades thereby substantially increasing the length of the roads and highways and the number of all sort of vehicles.

About plans for the next financial year, he said that the Authority has proposed sanctioning of Rs 60 billion for the construction of new roads and maintenance of the existing infrastructure. Arshad Mahmood said that the country serves as a natural and viable transit way for flow of goods produced in the booming economies of China and India, and added that a well netted road infrastructure must be put in place to fully tap this available potential.

Attiq Ahmad, NWFP General Manager, NHA, in his presentation said that beside the ongoing projects a number of newly federalised roads had also been taken in hands. He said that improvement work on Chakdarra-Bahrain was going in full swing, whereas construction work on Khawazakhela-Besham Road would be started soon.

He said that all roads in the scenic Swat valley would be brought at par with other highways in the country, which would surely give impetus to tourism industry and trade. The NHA, Balochistan GM, Yousaf Ali Khan, said that during last financial year the Authority had spent Rs 800 million on construction of new roads and repair and maintenance of different highways in the that province.

GM NHA Northern Areas (NAs), Ilyas Afzal, said that 1200 km roads fell within its purview and the Authority had spent Rs 40 million on routine maintenance work. Likewise, Rs 10 million was spent on emergency maintenance work. Director, Road Asset Management, NHA, said that the total value of the roads in the country is Rs 2.5 trillion, and their quality maintenance and upkeep at optimum level is essential for sustainable economic growth.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=565293&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

Tehran: 2007/05/18

Iran, Pakistan sign railway agreement

TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) – Iran and Pakistan inked an agreement on construction of railway.

The Iranian Road and Transportation Minister Mohammad Rahmati and Pakistani Federal Railway Minister Sheikh Ahmad Rashid signed the agreement.

According to the agreement, Taftan-Quetta railway links the two countries within next two years.

Totally $200 million is invested in the project.

Rashid said Pakistan needs 10 thousand wagons and Iran’s Pars Wagon Company has the capacity to meet the need.

http://www.mehrnews.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=488265

 

[Neo]

Pakistan's rail link with Europe soon: Rashid

LAHORE (May 20 2007): Federal Minister for Pakistan Railway Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said Pakistan would be linked with Europe via Quetta, Iran, Taftan and Istanbul through railway track in the coming three years and pilgrims would be able to reach Saudi Arabia to perform Haj via train.

While addressing a press conference here at Railway Headquarters, he said the customers would get tickets through Credit Cards throughout the country and thus one person would be able to get 10 tickets from one Credit Card simultaneously. He further said that all facilities of the international standards would be provided to the passengers of Pakistan Railways within 60 days.

The minister said the complaints offices at the railway stations would be opened to redress the problems of the passengers. He further said that computerised booking facility for goods transportation would also be provided. He said all the hurdles in the way to sale out. The unnecessary property of Pakistan Railway, would be removed with immediate effect and the signal system of the railway would be improved to insure the smooth and steady operation of the trains throughout the country.

Sheikh Rashid said double track would be laid down from Gujranwala to Lahore and Faisalabad to Lahore to facilitate passengers to save time. Trains would not stop at small stations and shuttles trains would be launched in these areas for the better facilitation of the local passengers, he maintained.

He said special funds had been demanded from the federal government in the coming budget for rebuilding and maintenance of historical workshop of Pakistan Railway situated at Mugulpura.

President or Prime Minister would soon visit to inspect the workshop. He said the inquiry regarding the Karchi Club and Lahore Railway Farm scandal was going on, and after the final report, it would be brought to light within 24 hours and strict action would be taken against the culprits, he pointed out.

Rashid said there were no differences between MQM and the government and what happened in Karachi on May 12 was regrettable. "MQM is the strong political party of Karachi, allied with the government. Its political strength can not be ignored, he explained.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=566222&currPageNo=3&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Design, cost review of KKH uplift project demanded

By Sajid Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has proposed an allocation of Rs 13.844 billion for upgrading the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to facilitate the construction of Diamer Basha Dam.

However, the technical appraisal carried out by the Planning Commission has pointed out that the unit cost of the project comes to Rs 43 million per kilometre. The cost has been based on 30 percent plus on the NHA’s CSR 2005, which has raised the cost quite high keeping in view the fact that this is basically improvement work and not a new construction. The technical appraisal has demanded complete design and cost review in consultation with NHA and Planning Commission.

According to working paper of the project available with Daily Times, the project envisages upgrading of existing section of Karakoram Highway from Havelian to the proposed dam site on river Indus which is to be located about 40 kilometres short of Chilas.

The total length involved in the project is 323.5 kilometres. The working paper states that existing geometric of different sections of the proposed road would not allow transportation of heavy machinery like turbine runner of 5.5m dia required in the construction of the dam. Furthermore, the trailer carrying such equipments would cover the whole width of the road not allowing any overtaking or passing of traffic coming or passing of traffic coming from opposite direction.

The width of the existing road varies from 6.1 m to 6.5 m reroute. The road is to be strengthen with provision of additional layers of sub-base, base course and widened from existing 6.1 metres to 7.3 metres with shoulders from 1 or 2 metres. The existing road beyond the dam (140 kilometres) would sub-merged in the dam and therefore would have to be relocated and constructed at higher altitude, the working paper adds.

The benefits accruing from the project would be saving vehicles operating cost, travel time, increased tourism, smooth trade with China, reduction in the maintenance cost and accidents, and uninterrupted transportation of heavy equipments and materials for the dam, it reveals.

The economic and transportation benefits to the adjacent cities have also been estimated in the project which projected that the per day vehicle flows from Havelian to increase from 8870 vehicles in 2006 to 15055 in year 2015, from Abbotabad and Mansehra 11851 in 2006 to 20170 in year 2015, Mansehra and Thakot from 7068 in 2006 to 12601 in year 2015, Thakot-Basham from 1349 in 2006 to 2414 in 2015, Basham-Dasu from 1554 to 2804 in year 2015, Dasi-Sazin from 1184 to 2131 in 2015 and Sazin to Dam site 1170 to 2099 in year 2015.

The technical appraisal of the project carried out by the Planning Commission has identified many flaws in the project details and has sought justifications relating to the proposed allocation of the project. It stated that it has been proposed that the project should be funded through Public Sector development Programme (PSDP). WAPDA is the main stakeholder who requires the upgrading of the road for the transportation of heavy machinery and equipments required for construction of Diamer Basha Dam. WAPDA should therefore provide complete or part funding for the project from its own resources. Technical experts have also questioned the traffic data at various sections of the road by stating that growth rate for projected traffic varies from 4.1 percent to as much as 22.6 percent.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\20\story_20-5-2007_pg5_1

 

[Neo]

Islamabad, May 19, IRNA
Pakistan-Iran-Rail
Pakistan plans new Quetta-Taftan railway track

A modern railway track between the Pakistani southwestern city of Quetta and Iranian bordering town of Taftan will be laid shortly with the ultimate objective to link Pakistan with Europe through rail system, the Railways Minister said Saturday.


"This fast railway track will later be linked with Turkish port city of Istanbul to link Pakistan railways with Europe," Sheikh Rashid Ahmad told a news conference.

Rashid visited Iran this week and discussed cooperation with Iranian officials in the field of railways.

He said that the 5,000 trained workers of Pakistan Railways are being sent to Saudi Arabia to lay railway track to link Jeddah with holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

He said Pakistan railways will introduce ticket system through credit card from June 1.

However, at a time maximum ten tickets could be purchased by one credit card.

He said that National Mass Transit Authority would be formed to develop Mass Transit Systems in eight major cities of the country.

http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0705209707012355.htm

 

[Neo]

Railways need Rs 30 billion for rehabilitation

ISLAMABAD (May 21 2007): Pakistan Railways is in dire need of at least Rs30 billion for rehabilitation of dilapidated tracks, replacement of obsolete signaling system and maintenance of bridges, it is learnt reliably.

Sources in the Railways Ministry told Business Recorder that as many as Rs30 billion were needed immediately to undertake rehabilitation work of dilapidated railway tracks and to replace obsolete signaling system to avert accidents.

It is learnt that Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed briefed Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz some days back about the ongoing railway developments and sought the handsome amount for the said purposes.

The existing signaling system of Pakistan Railways neither meets the safety requirements of higher speeds nor the growing traffic density and the risk of their malfunctioning cannot be ruled out which may result in accidents.

"We believe modern signaling system was prerequisite for ensuring safety of travelling public by avoiding train accidents, enhancing transportation efficiency and capacity at higher speed," a senior official said. Presently, he said PR needed Rs12 billion to replace old signaling system from Karachi to Peshawar.

The other basic problem that confronts Pakistan Railways was dilapidated railway tracks. "We have sought the funding of around Rs15 billion for rehabilitation of tracks," the official added. Railways Minister, the official continued, had conveyed to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that the government must have to provide atleast Rs15 billion for upgradation and rehabilitation of railway tracks.

The railways authorities are very much concerned on aged bridges as well. It is learnt that more than 80 percent bridges of Pakistan Railways have lived their life and could cause a major disaster any moment.

The official said there are around 15,000 bridges and most of the portion is over aged. "We have to spend Rs3 billion on maintenance of bridges on main railway lines," the senior official added.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=566916&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

Two gas terminals to be set up at Port Qasim

KARACHI (May 22 2007): The ground-breaking of two important projects, dedicated floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) and dedicated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is likely to take place at Port Qasim some time in the last week of this month.

The LNG terminal is being set up by Associated Group and Pakistan GasPort Ltd, and the LPG terminal has been sponsored by KUB Malaysia Berhad (KUB), Progas Energy Ltd (PEL) and National Logistics Cell (NLC). Both projects are being set up on 'build, operate and transfer' (BOT) basis.

The LNG terminal would be completed in 30 months' time at a cost of $160 million and, according to the estimates, total income to PQA in 30 years would be $142 million. The terminal would be able to handle 75,000 dwt vessels and would have capability to handle not less than three million tonnes material per year.

The concession has been granted on non-exclusive basis for 30 years, with PQA retaining its right to offer setting up of similar terminal to other parties at Port Qasim.

The company shall maintain sufficient depth in the channel at all times to accommodate ships drawing draught up to 12 metres. The company will be responsible for the capital dredging of the berthing basin, the approach channel and turning basin for floating LNG terminal.

It shall also be responsible for the maintenance dredging of the berthing basin and maintain the berthing basin only, whereas PQA would be responsible for the maintenance dredging of the approach channel and the turning basin.

The location for dumping of dredging material will be decided between PQA and the Company, based on relevant studies by the company. The cost of capital dredging of turning basin only will be recovered by the Company by paying 50 percent of applicable royalty to PQA in the amount equal to the capital dredging cost thereof, and the Company will not charge any interest, on the amount so adjustable, from PQA.

The implementation agreement was signed with Pakistan GasPort Ltd on April 28, 2007. The LPG terminal is being set up by Progas Pakistan (Private) Ltd, formerly Keloil (Private) Ltd (Malaysian Company). Total cost of the project is $25 million with 62:38 debt equity ratio.

It would be able to handle two million tonnes material and handle 50,000 dwt vessels. The concession has been granted for a period of 30 years on non-exclusive basis. PQA would retain the right to offer setting up of similar terminals to other parties.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=567153&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

 

[Neo]

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Rs 750 million approved for Gwadar Airport

ISLAMABAD: The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) on Tuesday approved Rs 750 million for construction of Gwadar International Airport and Rs 1.357 billion for converting 29 troubled districts of Balochistan into peaceful “A” areas.

“The Rs 1.357 billion project aims at converting 29 “B” areas into “A” areas in Balochistan,” Mr Riaz, project director, told reporters here, adding that “B” areas are the districts where law and order situation is not good.

He hoped that the project aimed at restoring law and order in these districts would be completed in next two years.

The APCC also approved agriculture sector development projects worth over Rs 25 billion and allocated initial funds for the fiscal year 2007-08.

After the meeting, Ismail Qureshi, federal secretary Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, said that Rs 18.5 billion project was also approved for introducing drip and sprinkle irrigation technology in the country.

He said that an ongoing project of Rs 66 billion for lining of 89,000 watercourses in the country would continue in the next fiscal year. He said that work on some 45000 watercourses would be completed this year.

Qureshi said that the APCC had approved Rs 3 billion fisheries development project. This project also includes constitution of fisheries development board and establishment of fish farms in the seas and on the land to promote latest techniques for the development of this sector.

He said that Rs.5.5 billion livestock development project, Rs 8 billion productivity enhancement project and Rs 1 billion food quality enhancement project would be launched to enhance productivity.

Syed Asif Shah, commerce secretary, said that the APCC had approved Rs 216 million for the Pakistan Fashion Design School, Rs 30 million for Foreign Trade Institute and Rs.1.3 billion for the Expo Centre Lahore, extension in Expo Center Karachi and establishment of Institute of Textile and Clothing.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will get 40 percent increase in its development budget in next fiscal year with an allocation of Rs 7 billion; and Railway Division Rs.12 billion, the officials said.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\23\story_23-5-2007_pg7_18

 

[Neo]

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Railways to build Peshawar-Karachi optical fibre network

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways plans to initiate a project to establish an optical fibre cable transmission system from Peshawar to Karachi by the end of the year, Daily Times learnt on Tuesday.

Railways sources said Pakistan Railways (PR) plans to replace the old underground communication cables, which have become unserviceable on the Lahore-Khanewal sector, with optical fibre transmission cables on the main line from Peshawar to Karachi. It is expected that the project will be executed in phases and completed by 2011. The project will help the PR communication department meet international standards and the system will help achieve smooth communication, a Railways official said. Almost all the major railway links of the world are already using this transmission system, he added.

PR authorities have initiated consultations for the project with several foreign railways companies. It is expected that the project will be awarded to Spanish Railways because it has been involved with several railway communication network upgrade projects.Railways Chief Engineer (Telecom) Muhammad Zafar refused to provide any project details, saying the Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had asked him not to disclose any information about the project.

However, another PR official said the project will be initiated by the end of this year and should be completed by 2011. At present, the communication system of PR is not up to the mark, consequently control rooms of almost all divisions face problems in establishing the location and arrival time of trains. After the fibre optics system is in place almost 90 percent of the communication problems will be resolved, the PR official said. Railways General Manger Operations Asad Saeed said the project is on the backburner for the time being as they are currently focused on a project of installing the latest signal system on various sectors. “However, the project of laying the optical fibre system from Peshawar to Karachi will be initiated by the end of this year,” he added.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\23\story_23-5-2007_pg7_10