The land acquisition phase for the railway line project from Gwadar to Jacobabad (connecting Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Basima, Khuzdar, and Jacobabad) has officially begun, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday.

This development is being viewed in the context of Pakistan’s efforts to open six land routes for the transportation of goods to Iran, including the Gwadar-Gabd route, which is the shortest and expected to reduce transit time by up to 87%.

The move aims to provide a secure alternative for third-country goods to reach Iran, especially during times when maritime trade is disrupted

Under the federal government’s Uraan Pakistan Vision, the railway line project from Gwadar to Jacobabad also aims to link Balochistan with inner Sindh through a modern transport network.

Passing through Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Basima, and Khuzdar, the project is expected to play a significant role in the national economy.

According to railway authorities, the project will cost approximately Rs15.5 billion and was approved in November 2024.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China