Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that success of the 'Demonstration Container Train' between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey will not only open new vistas of economic co-operation but will also help in starting passenger trains to enhance people to people contact.
"Launching of the ECO Demonstration Container Train, from Islamabad to Istanbul, via Tehran, is an epic event, clearing the way for Pakistan's integration into the regional railways network by opening trade corridor between South and Central Asia, on the one hand, and with Europe, on the other", the Prime Minister said on Friday while inaugurating the first international 'Demonstration Container Train' under the banner of Economic Co-operation Organisation (ECO), from Pakistan to Turkey, via Iran, at Islamabad railway station.
The Prime Minister said that this initiative would further extend regional co-operation among the ECO member states and would also lead to more meaningful interaction for the socio-economic progress and prosperity of the people of the region. He said that this trial run of the train would identify impediments and obstacles en route over vast terrains of about 6500 km, spread over three countries.
"There are also some operational obstacles, which will be resolved over time," he added. He said that economic co-operation between Iran, Turkey and Pakistan "dates back to the days of RCD". Now the ECO is further strengthening relation among these three and other Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan.
He said that the concept of the 'Demonstration Train' from Islamabad to Istanbul via Tehran, was deliberated upon at the 18th Regional Planning Council of the ECO meeting, held in Islamabad during March, 2008, and the idea finally materialised with the completion of the construction of the missing link between Zahidan and Kerman by Iranian Railways and the support it received in the 7th ECO Ministerial meeting at Antakya (Turkey).
Appreciating the efforts of the ECO Secretariat in converting the dream into practical shape as commendable, he said that their devotion, hard work, farsightedness and dedication towards achieving this goal would go a long way in providing better means of transportation among the brotherly countries of the region. He also appreciated the support and assistance provided by other international organisations, like OTIF, in promoting the objectives of ECO transportation strategy.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan Railways has undertaken rehabilitation of the main Railway line including that of Quetta-Taftan section. Feasibility study of the section has been completed. Upgradation would require financial support to the extent of 500 million dollars. This is necessary to achieve a speed of 140 km per hour of the train and optimum operational efficiency.
He said that the Railway system in Pakistan has a strong network, but its infrastructure requires rehabilitation. The government of Pakistan would do its best, but international/national funding agencies would also have to come forward, the PM said, adding that the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the ECO Bank could contribute, besides the governments of Iran and Turkey.
He said that the Railways management of Pakistan might formally approach international agencies, placing official requests for financing the project. "Today, the presence of the Heads of Railway authorities of ECO countries here signifies strengthening of our ties and providing a land bridge for bringing our people closer. The success of the project would be a landmark achievement in improving our national economies."
He said that punctuality, safety, reliability, customer convenience and comfort and one-window operation "are the keys to the success" of the project. "There is a need to introduce uniform competitive tariff to attract export and import cargo. The Railway authorities need to work in close contact with chambers of commerce and industry to create enabling environment for increasing mutual trade.
In this regard customs formalities need to be streamlined to ensure minimum delay at border points, "the PM said. He expressed hope that the 'Demonstration run' would establish not only international freight services on competitive basis but would also subsequently provide for passenger movement by trains.
"The train link will also boost the tourism industry of the ECO member countries and will attract the tourists to enjoy their rail journey," he added. Federal Minister for Railways, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Secretary Railways Sameeullah, and Muhammad Yahya Maroofi, Secretary-General of ECO, were also present on this occasion.