KARACHI: The Minister of Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, accompanied by Karachi Port Trust Chairman Syedain Raza Zaidi officially inaugurated the reconstructed roads of TPX container yard of the Karachi Port Trust.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the infrastructure development efforts aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of one of the busiest container yards in the region.
The TPX container yard, sprawling over an area of 139 acres with a road network spanning 5.5 kilometers, plays a pivotal role in the maritime trade, receiving approximately 600 containers daily and generating substantial revenue for the national exchequer.
The rehabilitation initiative undertaken by the Civil Works Division of KPT, spanning a stretch of 4.3 kilometers was necessitated by the damages inflicted by torrential rains in previous years, which had led to wear and tear of the roads, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for the stakeholders.
Zaidi commended the dedication and perseverance exhibited by the teams involved in the rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing the significant impact of the renovated roads in ensuring smoother operations within TPX container yard.
Moreover, Chairman Zaidi acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by the residents surrounding the yard due to dust pollution, assuring proactive measures to mitigate such concerns in the future. He also hinted at forthcoming renovations of the Staff College, oil pier and Lighthouse facilities, underscoring KPT’s commitment to continuous improvement and modernization.
Qaiser, in his address during the inauguration ceremony, emphasized the collective responsibility towards enhancing Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic independence, highlighting the imperative of concerted efforts to alleviate the nation from external dependencies, including reliance on international financial institutions.
Expressing gratitude to all departments involved in the project, Minister Sheikh underscored his commitment to serving the nation tirelessly, pledging round-the-clock availability for the betterment of the maritime sector and the nation at large.
The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to foster economic growth and prosperity, lauding the progress achieved under the leadership of Zaidi. He reaffirmed his determination to address outstanding issues and obstacles impeding the sector’s development, emphasizing the potential of collective efforts to propel the national economy towards greater heights.
Zahid Hussain, General Manager Civil Works KPT and Tariq Gujjar, President Goods Transporters Association also spoke on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024