SCCI hails launch of upgraded Awam Express Train from Peshawar

PESHAWAR
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the launch of upgraded Awam Express Train from Peshawar and called it a good step toward modernization of the Pakistan Railways.
Chairman, the SCCI Standing Committee on Dryport/Railway and senior member of the chamber’s executive committee Ziaul Haq Sarhadi expressed his views after attending inaugural ceremony of the upgraded Awam Express Train at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station here on Monday said that Railway is not only a best and cheapest source of travelling, but it is a symbol of the country’s progress, solidarity and integrity.
He described transportation as our economic jugular vein.
When the Pakistan Railways systems would be upgraded so that our businesses and trade flourished, that would also improve Pakistan’s products competitiveness and export in the global market, Sarhadi remarked.
Chairman, Pakistan Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah along with legend cricketer Shahid Afridi formally inaugurated the upgraded Awam Express Train.
The event was attended by General Manager/CEO, Pakistan Railways Hafeezullah, Divisional Superintendent Peshawar Imran Hayat Khan, representatives of the business community and people from different sectors and walks of life.
Mr Sarhadi emphasized that it is highly imperative to launch a special cargo train from Peshawar to boost the trade and economic activities.
SCCI senior member mentioned about the lack of facilities at the Azakhel Dryport, stating that the dryport was established at 28-acre with cost of Rs600million, but despite the passage of six years, the dryport yet not made fully functional, because of which business community were being faced with enormous difficulties.
KP has blessed with abundant of natural resources, especially gems, jewelry, marble, furniture, handicraft, herbals, carpet, tobacco, honey and match industry were exist in this province, but theses all manufacturing products transport to Karachi through trucks, and then export to many countries after filing Good Declaration (GDs), Sarhadi said.
He said if the cargo train would run from Azakhel Dryport so these all KP products would dispatch through Pakistan Railways.
Similarly, he informed four industrial estates exist in KP, but the manufacturing products of these factories transport through private trucks after clearing in Karachi port.
The SCCI senior member urged the federal government and ministry of Railways to restore the cargo train from Peshawar, provision of facility at Azakhel dryport, revival of GITA, safari train, and reactivation of Railway Advisory Committees.