A well functioning Transport system is a critical pre-requisite for a country’s development. Investment in the infrastructure directly affects economic growth through many changes such as allowing producers to find the best markets for their goods, reducing transportation time and cost and generating employment opportunity. In addition, efficient transport system also has network effects and allows adoption of latest production techniques such as just-in time manufacturing.
The transport system of Pakistan is extensive and varied, with considerable investment in the transportation infrastructure in recent years. Since the 1990’s onward, the National Highway Authority has been developing a network of modern motorways that connects nearly every major city in Pakistan. These improvements have contributed to an acceleration of economic growth. Pakistan Railways has been acquiring new locomotives from China. The ports have also been developing to deal with the growing demand for imports and exports.
In urban areas there are several means of transport available, catering to a wide range of budgets, including motorbikes, rickshaws, and buses. Motorbikes and scooters are popular vehicles used by many people to move around cities. They are easy to travel on and less stressful compared to cars and buses. The law requires motorbike or scooter riders to wear a helmet. Over the last few years, the number of brands and varieties of motorbikes and scooters has substantially increased to suit all budgets and sizes.
There are many different types of auto-rickshaws in Pakistan ranging from two passengers to six-seaters. There are also cargo versions that are purely used to transport cargo and parcels around the city for businesses. A new form of transport in Pakistan is the Qing-Qi (pronounced "ching-chee"), which is a cross between a motorcycle and auto-rickshaw. It runs just like a motorcycle but comes with three wheels instead of two and carries a much heavier load on its back. It is an urban transport vehicle and is used mostly for short distances, because of safety problems.
The government had also allowed a consortium of three domestic investors and one Arab investor, to introduce the Black Cab, that is commonly seen on the streets of London. However the decision soon became embroiled in controversy when the awarding of the license was challenged in the Supreme Court on grounds of corruption.
This is a relatively cheap and easy method of transport, with services run by both public and private companies. The Daewoo Bus Company runs many of the inner city buses with very modern air-conditioned buses, which ease travel during the high summer temperatures, and which operate constantly throughout the day. From 2000, the government has banned old, excessively polluting, poorly run buses from cities, to deal with the pollution levels that have become a problem in many Pakistani cities. The buses are given numbers according to which routes they are travelling or if in doubt there is usually a conductor who can be consulted for directions and fares. Bus times are affected during the chaotic early morning and early evening rush hours, when commuters try to get to or from work.
For long distance journeys from city to city (e.g. Lahore to Islamabad), the Sammi Daewoo Express coaches have proven to be a great success in intercity travel as well as in the cities. The Sammi Daewoo express bus service provides services on more than 18 routes and operates more than 325 departures per day in Pakistan. The service is available in most cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Murree and many others destinations. However, for the local or more low classes there ia a range of other private companies that operate between cites including Ravi Express,
On 7 April 2005, bus services started across the Line of Control in Kashmir, from the Indian city of Srinagar to the Pakistani city of Muzaffarabad with buses running every two weeks.
Car ownership is increasing at a rate of 40% per year since 2001 as the middle class is growing at an incredible pace. The number of car manufacturers in Pakistan have also increased with Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Chevrolet, BMW, Nissan, Toyota and Honda showrooms springing up in many of the cities in Pakistan. There are almost 2 million cars in use in Pakistan. In the cities many people prefer compact cars such as the Suzuki Mehran, Hyundai Santro, Chevrolet Joy and Toyota Vitz. Due to an increase in demand, the Adam Motor Company has developed Pakistan's first indigenous car called the Revo.
Recently, two more European car manufacturers, French company Renault and German company Volkswagen, announced that they would introduce their latest models in Pakistan. Renault will promote its Logan models that have proven to be very popular overseas. In late 2005, Suzuki introduced the APV (All-Purpose Vehicle) the first luxury family van in Pakistan. Manufactured in Indonesia, the 1.5 litre petrol manual-transmission became an instant hit. It was large, affordable (at one million PK Rupees) and above all 'luxurious'. By the middle of 2006, Suzuki had announced an automatic-transmission version.
Utility vehicles (SUVs or 4x4s) are also a familiar sight in Pakistan. This type of car is very multi functional as it allows long distance and off road travel, within cities as well as city to city travel. The most popular models are the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Kia Sportage and Range Rover, however the BMW X5 could also be seen being driven by the wealthy elite.
Rail services in Pakistan are provided by the state-run Pakistan Railways, under the supervision of the Ministry of Railways. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation to the farthest corners of the country, catering to the large-scale movement of people and freight. The railway network comprises 8,163 km of which broad gauge (1.676-m) forms 7,718 km including 293 km of electrified track. Narrow gauge (1-metre) tracks form the remaining 445 km. Passenger earnings comprise 50% of the Railways total revenue. During 1999-2000 this amounted to Rs. 4.8 billion. Pakistan Railways carry 65 million passengers annually and daily operates 228 mail, express and passenger trains. Pakistan Railways also operate special trains for various occasions.
The Freight Business Unit with 12000 personnel operates over 200 freight stations on the railway network. The Unit serves the two major ports of Karachi and Qasim as well as the four provinces of the country and generates revenue from the movement of agricultural, industrial and imported products such as wheat, coal, fertilizer, cement, and sugar.
About 39% of the revenue is generated from the transportation of petroleum oil (lubricated) (POL) products, 19% from imported wheat, fertilizer and rock phosphate. The remaining 42% is earned from domestic traffic. The freight rates structure is based on market trends in road transport which is the main competitor to rail transport.
Pakistan has active rail links only with the Indian railway network which operate the same gauges as Pakistan. The rail link with Iran has been suspended since March 2006 because of a missing link between Bam and Zahedan. There is no railway link to Afghanistan because that country has no railway network. There is no link with China, but on February 28, 2007 contracts were awarded for feasibility studies on a proposed line from Havelian via the Khunjerab pass at 4730m above sea level, to the Chinese railhead at Kashgar, a distance of about 750 km. Another proposed line would link Gwadar with Dalbadin, Taftan and the Central Asian states.
During the 1990s, Pakistan began an ongoing project to build a network of road links and central motorways to connect all the major cities and towns. The plan included connecting many of the important financial, cargo and textile centres, so cargo could be transported more easily and efficiently across the country. The project is handled by the National Highway Authority (NHA). The linking of cities has resulted in economic development to many areas. The total length of the road network is 258,340 km with 167,146 km of paved roads (including 711 km of expressways) and 91,194 km of unpaved roads. The number of vehicles on Pakistani roads is estimated to be 4.2 million vehicles, including 250,000 commercial vehicles. The existing and planned motorways include:
The transport system of Pakistan is extensive and varied, with considerable investment in the transportation infrastructure in recent years. Since the 1990’s onward, the National Highway Authority has been developing a network of modern motorways that connects nearly every major city in Pakistan. These improvements have contributed to an acceleration of economic growth. Pakistan Railways has been acquiring new locomotives from China. The ports have also been developing to deal with the growing demand for imports and exports.
Local transport in Pakistan
In urban areas there are several means of transport available, catering to a wide range of budgets, including motorbikes, rickshaws, and buses. Motorbikes and scooters are popular vehicles used by many people to move around cities. They are easy to travel on and less stressful compared to cars and buses. The law requires motorbike or scooter riders to wear a helmet. Over the last few years, the number of brands and varieties of motorbikes and scooters has substantially increased to suit all budgets and sizes.
Auto Rickshaws in Pakistan
Auto rickshaws are very similar to ones used in India, however the Pakistan version come in many different colours instead of the black/yellow versions India uses. The fare is usually negotiable before commencing a journey. Due to the level of pollution contributed by the auto-rickshaws, the government is currently in planning with a Chicago based company to develop a CNG auto-rickshaw to lower the levels of pollution in the city. Many cities in Pakistan have placed restrictions on auto-rickshaws, preventing them from travelling on certain roads in the city to cut levels of pollution.There are many different types of auto-rickshaws in Pakistan ranging from two passengers to six-seaters. There are also cargo versions that are purely used to transport cargo and parcels around the city for businesses. A new form of transport in Pakistan is the Qing-Qi (pronounced "ching-chee"), which is a cross between a motorcycle and auto-rickshaw. It runs just like a motorcycle but comes with three wheels instead of two and carries a much heavier load on its back. It is an urban transport vehicle and is used mostly for short distances, because of safety problems.
Taxi cabs in Pakistan
Another common sight seen at hotels and airports in Pakistan are yellow taxi cars, which are like the black cabs of London. The drivers charge according to a meter located on the dashboard of the car, but fares can be negotiated if there is no meter. The cab drivers are reliable and will take passengers to any destination required. There are also numerous privately run services that use cars and minibuses of various types throughout Pakistan, providing a reliable and quick means of transport.The government had also allowed a consortium of three domestic investors and one Arab investor, to introduce the Black Cab, that is commonly seen on the streets of London. However the decision soon became embroiled in controversy when the awarding of the license was challenged in the Supreme Court on grounds of corruption.
Buses in Pakistan
This is a relatively cheap and easy method of transport, with services run by both public and private companies. The Daewoo Bus Company runs many of the inner city buses with very modern air-conditioned buses, which ease travel during the high summer temperatures, and which operate constantly throughout the day. From 2000, the government has banned old, excessively polluting, poorly run buses from cities, to deal with the pollution levels that have become a problem in many Pakistani cities. The buses are given numbers according to which routes they are travelling or if in doubt there is usually a conductor who can be consulted for directions and fares. Bus times are affected during the chaotic early morning and early evening rush hours, when commuters try to get to or from work.
Inter City Buses in Pakistan
For long distance journeys from city to city (e.g. Lahore to Islamabad), the Sammi Daewoo Express coaches have proven to be a great success in intercity travel as well as in the cities. The Sammi Daewoo express bus service provides services on more than 18 routes and operates more than 325 departures per day in Pakistan. The service is available in most cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Murree and many others destinations. However, for the local or more low classes there ia a range of other private companies that operate between cites including Ravi Express,
On 7 April 2005, bus services started across the Line of Control in Kashmir, from the Indian city of Srinagar to the Pakistani city of Muzaffarabad with buses running every two weeks.
Cars in Pakistan
Car ownership is increasing at a rate of 40% per year since 2001 as the middle class is growing at an incredible pace. The number of car manufacturers in Pakistan have also increased with Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Chevrolet, BMW, Nissan, Toyota and Honda showrooms springing up in many of the cities in Pakistan. There are almost 2 million cars in use in Pakistan. In the cities many people prefer compact cars such as the Suzuki Mehran, Hyundai Santro, Chevrolet Joy and Toyota Vitz. Due to an increase in demand, the Adam Motor Company has developed Pakistan's first indigenous car called the Revo.
Recently, two more European car manufacturers, French company Renault and German company Volkswagen, announced that they would introduce their latest models in Pakistan. Renault will promote its Logan models that have proven to be very popular overseas. In late 2005, Suzuki introduced the APV (All-Purpose Vehicle) the first luxury family van in Pakistan. Manufactured in Indonesia, the 1.5 litre petrol manual-transmission became an instant hit. It was large, affordable (at one million PK Rupees) and above all 'luxurious'. By the middle of 2006, Suzuki had announced an automatic-transmission version.
Utility vehicles (SUVs or 4x4s) are also a familiar sight in Pakistan. This type of car is very multi functional as it allows long distance and off road travel, within cities as well as city to city travel. The most popular models are the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Kia Sportage and Range Rover, however the BMW X5 could also be seen being driven by the wealthy elite.
Railways in Pakistan
Rail services in Pakistan are provided by the state-run Pakistan Railways, under the supervision of the Ministry of Railways. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation to the farthest corners of the country, catering to the large-scale movement of people and freight. The railway network comprises 8,163 km of which broad gauge (1.676-m) forms 7,718 km including 293 km of electrified track. Narrow gauge (1-metre) tracks form the remaining 445 km. Passenger earnings comprise 50% of the Railways total revenue. During 1999-2000 this amounted to Rs. 4.8 billion. Pakistan Railways carry 65 million passengers annually and daily operates 228 mail, express and passenger trains. Pakistan Railways also operate special trains for various occasions.
The Freight Business Unit with 12000 personnel operates over 200 freight stations on the railway network. The Unit serves the two major ports of Karachi and Qasim as well as the four provinces of the country and generates revenue from the movement of agricultural, industrial and imported products such as wheat, coal, fertilizer, cement, and sugar.
About 39% of the revenue is generated from the transportation of petroleum oil (lubricated) (POL) products, 19% from imported wheat, fertilizer and rock phosphate. The remaining 42% is earned from domestic traffic. The freight rates structure is based on market trends in road transport which is the main competitor to rail transport.
Pakistan has active rail links only with the Indian railway network which operate the same gauges as Pakistan. The rail link with Iran has been suspended since March 2006 because of a missing link between Bam and Zahedan. There is no railway link to Afghanistan because that country has no railway network. There is no link with China, but on February 28, 2007 contracts were awarded for feasibility studies on a proposed line from Havelian via the Khunjerab pass at 4730m above sea level, to the Chinese railhead at Kashgar, a distance of about 750 km. Another proposed line would link Gwadar with Dalbadin, Taftan and the Central Asian states.
Motorways and Highways in Pakistan
During the 1990s, Pakistan began an ongoing project to build a network of road links and central motorways to connect all the major cities and towns. The plan included connecting many of the important financial, cargo and textile centres, so cargo could be transported more easily and efficiently across the country. The project is handled by the National Highway Authority (NHA). The linking of cities has resulted in economic development to many areas. The total length of the road network is 258,340 km with 167,146 km of paved roads (including 711 km of expressways) and 91,194 km of unpaved roads. The number of vehicles on Pakistani roads is estimated to be 4.2 million vehicles, including 250,000 commercial vehicles. The existing and planned motorways include:
- M-1: Islamabad to Peshawar (155 km access-controlled motorway with 6 lanes)
- M-2: Lahore to Islamabad (367 km access-controlled motorway with 6 lanes) - completed in November 1997
- M-3: Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad (53 km access-controlled motorway with 4 lanes)
- M-4: Faisalabad to Multan (200 km access-controlled motorway with 4 lanes)
- M-5: Multan to Dera Ghazi Khan (65 km with 4 lanes)
- M-6: Dera Ghazi Khan to Ratodero (450 km with 4 lanes)
- M-7: Kakkar to Karachi via Dureji (303 km with 2 lanes)
- M-8: Gwadar to Ratodero (1072 km with 2 lanes)
- M-9: Karachi to Hyderabad (136 km with 6 lanes)
- M-10: Karachi Northern Bypass (56 km with 2 lanes)
