Feasibility report on Islamabad-Muzaffarabad train service nearing completion

ISLAMABAD: The feasibility report of highly ambitious train service linking Islamabad and Muzaffarabad via Murree is nearing completion and it would soon be presented to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for allocation of funds for the project that would be completed in three years, the sources told The News here on Tuesday.
“The soil testing and preparation of map have already been completed that showed the train will pass through green patches and scenic landscape and provide the passengers with a ‘fairy’ journey into the heart of the nature,” the sources said.
The sources said that work on the feasibility report was jointly being done by members of the engineering department of the Pakistan Railways and technical experts from China and it was expected to be completed soon.
The sources said that the project would also be important with regard to defence of the country as it would provide a smooth and swift means of transportation to the government.
According to the official record, the train service project will be completed in two phases that include 35km long route from H-9 Railway Station-Aabpara-Bhara Kahu-Bahria Golf City-Commoners Sky Garden-Manga to Bostal and a 20km long tunnel from Lower Topa.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rs2 billion were allocated as a seed amount for the project, which was approved by the prime minister in May 2014. The tender for the feasibility study was floated on July 21.
When contacted, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said a presentation would be given to prime minister over the train project from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad after which funds would be allocated for this project. “It is really an ambitious project and will provide an easy access to Murree and Muzaffarabad especially for the tourists who are expected to come in huge number after completion of the project,” he said.