Railways Multan Division - Divisional Superintendent Irfan Gohar said on Wednesday that one special cargo coach would be attached each to Shah Rukn-e-Aalam and Bahauddin Zakariya Express trains for transportation of mangos from Multan to Karachi during mango season.
Talking to a delegation of Mango Growers Association (MGA) led by its President Syed Zahid Hussain Gardezi, he said each coach would have capacity to carry up to 10 tons of mango that would be able to reach Karachi in 12 to 14 hours.
Multan Railways DS said apart from that initiative to boost mango export, a long-term strategy would also be worked out to ensure commercial transportation of the delicious fruit, says an official release.
Irfan Gohar asked Divisional Commercial Officer Waqar Ahmad Shahid to prepare a comprehensive report for a long-term strategy after consulting all the stakeholders so that it should be submitted to the Railways Headquarters for approval.
MGA delegation appreciated the Railway's initiative and discussed different aspects of commercial transportation of mango, a perishable fruit.
Highlighting the importance of a long-term policy for commercial transportation of mango, the delegation told Multan Railways DS that Multan and surrounding areas form the biggest mango production area. This area not only supply the fruit to domestic markets but also to foreign countries where foreigners love to eat it for its aroma and unique taste.