Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday visited TÜRASAS, Sakarya and ASELSAN, where he explored opportunities for technology transfer, joint manufacturing and digital transformation aimed at modernising Pakistan Railways.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the minister reviewed advanced railway technologies, manufacturing facilities and digital systems being used by the two Turkish organisations, said a news release.
During the visit, Turkish Deputy Minister of Transport Osman Boyraz, TÜRASAS Director General Selim Koçbay, TCDD Tasimacilik Director General Ufuk Yalçin, the Deputy Governor of Sakarya and senior ASELSAN officials welcomed the Pakistani delegation and briefed them on the latest developments in railway manufacturing, signalling, communications and smart transportation technologies.
The delegation inspected modern passenger coaches, locomotives, Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), freight wagons and advanced production systems.
It
also visited research and development centres, quality control facilities and modern railway infrastructure units.
The two sides discussed cooperation in technology transfer, joint manufacturing and the modernisation of Pakistan Railways’ rolling stock.
They also explored collaboration in advanced signalling, telecommunications, cybersecurity, automated train control systems and intelligent railway technologies.
The discussions included proposals to upgrade the Islamabad Carriage Factory and Pakistan Railways’ workshops with modern technologies and to promote local manufacturing and production of electronic railway equipment.
Speaking on the occasion, Hanif Abbasi said the digital transformation of Pakistan Railways, modern traffic management, fibre-optic communication systems and safe railway operations were among the government’s top priorities.
He said Pakistan Railways was being transformed into a more efficient, secure and competitive organisation through the adoption of modern technologies.
The mi
nister said advanced railway technology was essential for the successful implementation of the ML-1 and ML-3 projects as well as the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight corridor.
He said that internationally recognised signalling and communication systems would strengthen regional connectivity and improve freight operations.
Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in engineers’ training, exchange of technical expertise, research, cybersecurity and human resource development, expressing confidence that the partnership would significantly strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Pakistan Railways.
Hanif Abbasi said Trkiye as an important strategic technology partner in the modernisation and industrial development of Pakistan Railways and reaffirmed the commitment of both brotherly countries to expand long-term cooperation in railway technology, investment and regional connectivity.