KARACHI - A 30-member high-level delegation of Chinese companies, including NRA, CR5D1,CREC,CRCC and Transport, Mass Transit, led by Wang Yu, called on Sindh Minister for Transport Syed Nasir Hussain Shah at a hotel here on Thursday.

The delegation, consisting of leading companies’ representatives, interacted with the minister and discussed the revival of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project.

Transport and Mass Transit Secretary Saeed Ahmed Awan warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation and apprised them about the progress, modalities and design matters with particular reference to the revival of the project, which is included in CPEC.

He said that various positive steps had been taken by the Government of Sindh to address main issues such as removal of encroachments and provision of alternate places to the people displaced by the project.

He said that Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah and Transport Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah had also attended the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in Islamabad on this issue held under the chairmanship of prime minister prior to his visit to Beijing to hold meeting with NDRC and the Chinese government. “Recently on November 14, a video conference was also held to discuss and review the progress at both levels,” he informed.

Speaking on the occasion Minister for Transport and Mass Transit Syed Nasir Hussain Shah offered full support, cooperation and facilities to the Chinese delegation and the government at every level, and said that safety of the visiting friends was being ensured. The minister hoped that the groundbreaking of the KCR project would be held on 25th December; birthday of father of the nation.

Mazhar Shah of the National Railway Authority (NRA), Ministry of Railways, while sharing his thoughts over working in CPEC for the past four years, said that the federal government was extending all possible cooperation to the Sindh government in this regard and taking keen interest in the project.

He said that China had a vast experience and expertise in the development of infrastructure. Therefore, he hoped, the KCR and other projects initiated with Chinese collaboration would prove to be beneficial for the masses.

Head of the delegation Wang Yu thanked the Government of Sindh and its representatives, who briefed them about the progress and activities taken place regarding the project so far. He assured that the KCR would reduce the traffic congestion in Karachi.  Furthermore, he said that the project would also cement ties & cooperation between both the countries and Sindh especially. Later the Minister for Transport Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Wang Yu exchanged traditional gifts from both the countries.

Sindh Mass Transit Authority DG Muhammad Athar and other officials of Chinese and Sindh Government were also present on the occasion.