Pakistan Railways, state-owned department, has established offices in Gwadar, and it has been assigned the task of increasing relations with Chinese companies working in Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar Development Authority, Gwadar Port and Free Zones. According to Gwadar Pro, Pakistan Railways and two Chinese tech companies NORINCO International Cooperation, Easyway have signed an MoU to launch an app named ‘Railway Automated Booking & Travel Assistance (RABTA)’ to modernize the operations of the department. Talking to media after the MoU signing ceremony at the Railway Headquarters in Lahore on Monday, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said the RABTA app was one top solution for all travel needs where passengers can reserve hotel rooms, taxies and plan their food during traveling.

The minister said the agreement with the Chinese companies was totally based on the revenue sharing formula. He further added while admitting the importance of Gwadar Port that there is enough land of Pakistan Railways in Gwadar, they have opened their sub office there and assigned the officers and staff from it. “Apart from this we will set up the railway for the future together with Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar Development Authority and other companies that are working.” He said that Pakistan Railways will build its strong system in Gwadar to take full advantage of the upcoming economic boom, which will stabilize the financial condition of the railways.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP