OREANDA-NEWS. October 11, 2012. CJSC Transmashholding and Minister of Railways of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed Memorandum of Understanding on October 1, which will become the basis for cooperation between Russian mechanical engineers and Pakistan railway men.

The document was signed by Muhammad Arif Azim, Secretary, Ministry of Railways, Chairman of Pakistan Railways and Shukhrat Makhmudov, Commercial Director of Transmashholding.

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Raja Pervez Ashraf was informed about the agreement concluded.

In accordance with this document, the Parties reached an agreement jointly to determine Railway Projects, for the purpose of which Pakistan may be interested in Russian products, and Transmashholding - in investments and transfer of technology. A Supervisory Committee will created to coordinate activities within Memorandum, meetings of the Committee are supposed to be held at least once a year.

“Pakistan is new for Transmashholding market, - stated S. Makhmudov. - We are ready to offer our colleagues state-of-the-art machinery capable to increase highly efficiency of the country transport system. I honestly hope that our cooperation will be long-term and beneficial”.

The first railway in the territory of modern Pakistan was built in 1858. At the present moment total length of the country railways comprises 7791km, electrified lines – 293 km. Several gauges will be used at once, the most widely used are of width 1676 and 1000mm.