A Joint Expert Committee Meeting between Pakistan Railways and Iranian Railways on Thursday decided that fortnightly passenger train between Pakistan and Iran will be restarted, as the security situation is getting better.

The Iranian delegation was headed by Majid Arjouni, DG Zahidan Railways. It was decided that train will be destined for Mashad or Qom and will be resumed prior to Muharram. The regular running of 15 freight trains, on demand of merchants, between Quetta and Zahidan was also conversed.

The proposed dates will be shared by Iranian side. As the security is improving in Pakistan, Pakistan Railways’ divisions will be in a position to dispatch consignment to other parts of the country as well.

The up gradation of Spezand and Taftan (ML III) section was also discussed. The up gradation includes complete replacement of track structure, conversion of 183 dips into bridges, rehabilitation of old bridges and provision of proper signalling.

Usually, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is imported from Iran via road. Pakistan Railways also proposed specialised containers to transport LPG from Iran and offered a concession in its freight structure to promote trade through railways.

Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Train was also discussed during the meeting where Pakistan Railways requested the Iranian side to persuade ECO secretariat for the revival of ECO train to Istanbul, instead of Kosekoy.  Pakistan Railways also mentioned that revision of 1959 Agreement between Pakistan Railways and Iranian Railways is under process.

During the meeting, Pakistan Railways informed about the revived communication with Taftan section while Iranian side requested import of mechanical and civil material from Pakistan Railways.