RAWALPINDI:
With the Murree Vacationer Glass Prepare challenge’s feasibility examine due for completion by April 30, 2025, it is being speculated that the scheme has gained strategic significance, given the opportunity of it being expanded to Muzaffarabad.
Based on former Pakistan Railways common supervisor and the present CEO of the Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Railway Engineering, Ashfaq Khattak, the challenge holds strategic significance past tourism.
The feasibility examine for the primary part is being performed by the Nationwide Engineering Providers Pakistan (Nespak) and is scheduled for completion by April 30, 2025.
Following its approval by related boards, the challenge will proceed to worldwide tendering.
It is going to be applied by way of a public-private partnership mannequin.
Based on sources, the feasibility examine for the second part was already accomplished throughout former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s third tenure, beneath the Kashmir Railway initiative.
The challenge will draw parallels to India’s operational Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla railway hyperlink.
The preliminary part of the challenge consists of setting up a 55-kilometre railway observe from Islamabad’s Margalla Railway Station to Bhara Kahu, Phurwaha Mor, Ghora Gali, Jhika Gali, and Bhurban.
On this regard, Ishfaq Khattak has supplied technical enter for the challenge to Nespak.
Collaborating with the Pak-Austria Institute of Utilized Sciences and Expertise, Khattak emphasised the challenge’s significance, citing its potential to spice up tourism alongside the Islamabad-Murree route.
“The usage of superior security options will make sure the practice’s operation even throughout snowfall, enhancing its reliability,” he mentioned.
The observe will utilise a broad gauge or customary gauge system with a cog-and-pinion rack for enhanced security, Khattak mentioned including {that a} single observe might be laid between the twin tracks to function a security gear mechanism, permitting for an elevation enhance of 1 foot each 12 ft.
It’s being seen as a response to India’s already operational vacationer practice service within the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir area, which connects Jammu, Srinagar, and Baramulla by way of a high-speed railway hyperlink.
This bold initiative is anticipated to not solely bolster tourism but additionally contribute to regional connectivity and strategic positioning.