LAHORE, Nov 16 (Wealth Pakistan): Industrialists in Faisalabad are calling for a railway station at the Faisalabad Industrial Estate to reduce transport costs and improve the flow of raw materials and finished goods. They say the new facility will strengthen manufacturing, boost exports and support long-term growth.
Punjab Reviews Plan for Railway Station at Faisalabad Industrial Estate
Raza Azhar Waqar, chairman of the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company, said the Punjab government has already prepared a plan to link the estate with the national railway network.
He explained that the proposed station will offer faster and cheaper cargo movement. According to him, the Punjab cabinet is reviewing the project, and approval is expected soon. He added that all preparations for the project are complete.
Industries Expect Faster, Cheaper and More Reliable Cargo
Industrialist Waheed Ahmed told Wealth Pakistan that most factories still rely on trucks for cargo transport. However, trucks often face delays due to traffic, checkpoints and weather. As a result, production schedules suffer.
He said a railway station will help industries move goods more quickly and at a much lower cost. Moreover, he noted that frequent fuel price changes make budgeting difficult for manufacturers.
Rail Link to Support Faisalabad’s Textile Hub
Ahmed said Faisalabad remains Pakistan’s textile capital, with hundreds of factories employing thousands of workers. Because of this large industrial base, a dedicated railway facility will improve the bulk movement of cotton, yarn and finished products.
He added that lower transport costs will help local manufacturers compete more effectively in both domestic and global markets.
Rail Transport Offers Higher Capacity and Lower Stress on Roads
Another industrialist, Aziz Ahmed, said road transport creates congestion, increases fuel expenses and causes delays. In contrast, rail cargo can carry much larger volumes. “One train can replace almost 30 trucks carrying cotton bales,” he said.
In addition, he said rail transport performs better during bad weather and offers more predictable delivery schedules.
Economic, Traffic and Environmental Benefits
Aziz noted that a railway station at the industrial estate will also reduce pressure on major highways. As a result, fuel use will fall and emissions will decline.
He said improved transport efficiency will attract more industries to the estate, which will help create jobs and expand the industrial cluster.