Pakistan Railways has successfully launched the first refrigerated container or reefer freight train, aims to provide economical and environment-friendly freight solutions.
As per the statement issued on Monday, Pakistan Railways has launched first ever ‘Reefer Freight Train’ as Marine Group of Companies in collaboration with Pakistan Railways achieved this milestone by operating country’s first ever containerised refrigerated train, carrying 24 units – 40 feet reefers, departed from the dry port of Marine International Container Terminal, Prem Nagar (Lahore) and arrived at Wazir Mansion (Karachi).
Freight trains can minimize the delivery time and reduce emissions to the atmosphere of greenhouse gasses. On average, railroads are three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks. It also lowers greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75 percent on average.
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The country has initiated the new phase with one train a week, with plans to operate 12 trains a month. Freight trains could minimise the delivery time and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the statement said. “On an average, railroads are three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks, using freight trains instead of trucks could slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%.”
Pakistan Intermodal Limited (PIL) reefer block train system can generate billions of rupees for Pakistan Railways. “The reefer block train system could generate billions of rupees in revenue for PR annually, if the containerized freight trains are operated on schedule”.
Pakistan Intermodal Ltd has been playing a significant role in operating containerised freight trains in Pakistan for the past five years and “realizing the potential of Reefer containers, operated Pakistan’s first ever reefer block train carrying 24 Units – 40 feet reefers of CMA CGM Pakistan from MICT – Dry port at Prem Nagar – Lahore to Wazir Mansion Karachi and transported the Reefer boxed through PakGo trucking short haul services to Karachi Port completing the journey successfully.”
