Karachi Port Infrastructure Overhaul: Federal Government Approves New Road and Rail Solutions to Combat Congestion and Boost Trade
The federal government of Pakistan has taken a significant step toward enhancing the country’s international trade capacity by approving the creation of a dedicated road and rail infrastructure for Karachi Port. This move is aimed at addressing the traffic congestion and logistical challenges that have hindered the smooth flow of goods through one of the busiest ports in South Asia.
The decision was made during a high-level inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsen Iqbal. Representatives from various ministries, including Maritime Affairs, Communications, Railways, Aviation, Trade, and Planning, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A), attended the meeting.
Meta Description:
The federal government has approved the development of a dedicated road and rail infrastructure to enhance access to Karachi Port, aimed at addressing traffic congestion and boosting international trade.
Addressing the Challenges at Karachi Port
The meeting was a comprehensive discussion on the issues related to the Karachi Port’s infrastructure and performance. Waqas Anwar, Member of the Planning Commission’s Infrastructure Division, briefed the attendees on the current state of the port’s infrastructure and the necessary measures to improve its operational efficiency. He also highlighted key findings regarding Pakistan’s international trade and the challenges faced by its ports.
According to Anwar, Pakistan’s trade volume, in terms of the GDP ratio, stands at a modest 26%, significantly lower than the global average of 44%. Between 2015 and 2020, Pakistan’s ports handled an average of 3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of container traffic annually. Nearly two-thirds of this traffic was processed at Karachi’s three terminals, with the remaining handled at Port Qasim.
One of the main challenges identified was the underutilization of rail services to transport goods to and from the port. Currently, almost all cargo is moved by road, contributing to severe traffic congestion and environmental challenges in Karachi. The existing rail infrastructure, with limited capacity for loading and unloading, has proven inadequate for handling the increasing volume of goods.
A Plan to Alleviate Congestion
The situation is further exacerbated by the constant stream of trucks operating from early morning until late at night that create traffic bottlenecks at the port. These traffic jams significantly affect the flow of cargo, slowing down port operations and increasing transport costs.
To address these challenges, the committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed several solutions. The short-term measures include implementing a scheduled system for freight trucks to minimize congestion. This system will ensure that cargo trucks adhere to specific time slots, allowing port gates to be utilized efficiently, 24/7.
For long-term solutions, the committee has recommended the construction of an elevated expressway to reduce traffic congestion on the roads leading to Karachi Port. Additionally, simultaneous investment in the rail infrastructure is essential to reduce transportation costs and improve overall logistics.
Future Outlook for Port Infrastructure
The proposal also emphasizes the need for better connectivity between Port Qasim and major highways such as N-5 and M-9, utilizing the Eastern Bypass. However, without the necessary rail infrastructure upgrades, even these road routes could face congestion by 2030.
The discussion concluded with a unanimous agreement on the urgency of addressing these infrastructural challenges. The overall goal is to ensure that Pakistan’s ports can handle growing international trade demands without compromising on efficiency or environmental sustainability.
No comments:
Post a Comment