Linking seaports with dry ports thru railways can reduce business cost, says MCCI president

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2026) Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh highlighted the need for linking country's sea ports with dry ports through Railways cargo service pleading it will significantly reduce operational cost of businesses.

He expressed these views in a meeting with Divisional Superintendent Pakistan Railways Multan division, Muhammad Hanif Gull, who visited the MCCI along with his team on Thursday.

The discussions revolved around matters related to improving railway cargo system, corporate business, enhancing effective utilization of Multan Dry Port, exploring opportunities for leasing railway properties and various proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the business community.

Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh emphasized the importance of connecting the country’s sea ports with inland commercial centers through an efficient railway network. He said that linking major sea ports to dry ports through railways could significantly reduce transportation costs, especially in the current scenario of rising fuel prices and high road transport expenses. It will ultimately lower the cost of production for industries.

He suggested that Pakistan Railways should introduce a “door-to-door cargo policy” to facilitate the business community and improve the efficiency of goods transportation across the country. He said, coordinated efforts between the Multan Dry Port Trust, Pakistan Railways, and private transport companies could further strengthen the cargo sector and expand trade opportunities.

The MCCI president also proposed the establishment of a modern cargo terminal at Khanewal Junction, stating that such a facility would not only enhance the revenue of Pakistan Railways but would also provide improved logistics services to industrialists and traders in South Punjab.

Former President of the Chamber and Chairman of Multan Dry Port Trust Khawaja Muhammad Hussain highlighted that transporting goods from Karachi to Multan by train is comparatively cheaper and more efficient than road transport, and stressed the need for practical measures to promote rail-based cargo movement. He assured full cooperation from the Multan Dry Port Trust in this regard.

Divisional Superintendent Muhammad Hanif Gull said that MCCI could play a key role in implementing the proposed door-to-door cargo policy in collaboration with Pakistan Railways. He reiterated commitment to providing maximum facilities to the business community and developing an efficient logistics system to restore traders’ confidence and promote commercial activities.

Railway officials also briefed the chamber president about opportunities related to leasing railway assets. The DS Railways invited the chamber president to visit the DS Multan Railways Office for a detailed presentation on the leasing process.

At the end, the MCCI president presented Chamber's shield to DS Railways.

Those present included chamber vice president Azhar Baloch, former MCCI president and chairman Multan Dry Port Trust Khawaja Muhammad Hussain, executive committee member Ehtisham-ul-Haq, Divisional Commercial Officer Rumla Shahid, Divisional Transportation Officer Adnan Marwat, Deputy Director Property and Land Ms. Sadaf Iqbal, Assistant Transportation Officer Rizwan Khalid.