The government has confirmed that plans are under way to extend Pakistan Railways from Chaman to Afghan city Kandhar; rather a station or two beyond it. It is targeted for completion by 2008.
A feasibility report on the project has been completed and the project will cost Rs 6,338 million ($110 million at the current rate of conversion).
The initiation of work, according to Railway officials, will depend on the availability of funds.
The disclosure came in the form of a written reply to questions from members of the National Assembly.
The government said that PC-1 was being prepared and construction would commence as soon budgetary allocations are made available.
The track would run through Spin Buldak, Utghar, Mail, Takhtapul, Kandahar, Mirwais and Abdali.
The link will facilitate transportation of (transit) goods to Afghanistan at more economical rates and will also be helpful in conveyance of goods to Central Asia.
This will be the second rail link of Pakistan Railways beyond the national frontier through Balochistan, after the Quetta-Zahidan link.
In reply to another question it was stated that a proposal to introduce a non-stop train between Faisalabad and Karachi was under active consideration.
This would be in addition to the Faisalabad Express and Chenab Express.
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