Rail Assessment - PAKISTAN 14/12/05
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KARACHI - RAWALPINDI
- There are no scheduled services for freight movements and Pakistan Railways require about 60 wagons (each maximum 22.4 metric tons, approx 20 cubic metres, some 60 ton wagons are available) before moving. Smaller shipments could wait 3-4 weeks before sufficient loads are assembled.
- Transit time for normal shipments is approx 10 days. An approved priority service has a transit time of approx 2-3 days.
- Special arrangements need to be made for sea containers.
- There are rail links to both Karachi and Qasim ports.
RAWALPINDI Storage
- There are 2 short term storage facilities available in Rawalpindi.
- Secure shed - capacity approx 600 tons. (approx 550 cubic metres)
- Open area with shelter roof - capacity approx 600 tons. (approx 550 cubic metres)
- Pakistan Railways do provide some security but they recommend that you provide your own.
RAWALPINDI - HAVELIAN (16km south of ABOTTOBAD)
- There is no fixed timetable from Rawalpindi to Havelian. This is based on demand only and requires 20-30 wagons prior to moving.
- The transit time is 6-12 hours with larger trains being split several times due to gradient issues with a maximum number of wagons of 15 arriving at Havelian at one time.
HAVELIAN
- Havelian is the end of the branch line and the closest station to Abbottabad and the Kashmir region.
- There is the ability to unload 50 wagons at one time with 100 more holding within the rail yard. Additional holding space is available at several stations prior to Havelian.
- It is approximately a 30 minute drive to Abbottabad from Havelian.
- There is generally sufficient private labour and trucks available in the town and the Pakistan Railways staff can assist with providing contacts.
HAVELIAN Storage
- There is a secure warehouse along side the unloading area that may be available for short term storage. This has a capacity for handling approx 700 cubic metres.
- There may be an issue regarding the rainproof ability of the roof.
Handling
- Pakistan Railways do not provide labour and the shipper and consignees are required to provide their own for loading and unloading of rail wagons.
Tariffs
- Up to 24 Nov 2005 rail cartage was free for relief cargo. Now discounted rates may be available upon request. Anecdotal information suggests that rail cartage is significantly cheaper than road but discounted rates can be difficult to obtain.
Conclusion
- Pakistan has an active rail network.
- Passenger services have priority over goods services and it appears that goods services will only run in many instances once there are enough full wagons to make it worth their while.
- Though the rolling stock appears to be reliable there are questions over the efficiency of the transits and the communication of information and reliability concerning arrival times.
- For time sensitive cargos the rail network is not recommended though it may provide a viable option for large bulk shipments.
Contacts
| Rawalpindi: Mr A Hameed Razi Divisional Transportation Manager Ph 051 9270858 | Mr Junaid Qureshi Divisional Superintendent Ph 021 9213500 Mob 0300 8203846 |
| Havelian: Mr Haqnawaz Station Master Ph 992 810752 | Rate Negotiations Mr Dulraiz Hashmy Chief Commercial Manager Ph 042 9201665 |
| Mr Fiaz Ahmed Khan Assistant Transportation Officer Mob 0321-5113025 | Sources:
|
| Karachi: Mr Amar Baluch Divisional Transportation Manager Ph 021 9213509 |
Source
:
UNJLC
Activities : Land
Type of document : Update
Publication date 2005-Dec-28
Activities : Land
Type of document : Update
Publication date 2005-Dec-28
