Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed relevant authorities to ensure the connection of the Reko Diq project with the Pakistan Railways network by 2028, forming a ministerial committee to present recommendations about financing requirements.
Chairing a meeting on railways upgradation and linking Reko Diq with the rail network, he said the linkage was essential to meet the requirements of future transportation and cargo services. He directed the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to determine the financing requirements for the upgrade and development of the Pakistan Railways, and present recommendations with regard to financing for the extension to Reko Diq.
During the meeting, the prime minister received a briefing on the upgradation of the Main Line (ML)-1 and ML-3 and the overall development of the Pakistan Railways. The prime minister noted that the Pakistan Railways served as a backbone for the country’s economy and communication.
“The Pakistan Railways is a cheap, fast and environment-friendly source of transportation,” he said, adding that linking Reko Diq with railways would boost the mines and mineral sector of Balochistan and create new employment opportunities for the people of the area.