MULTAN: The decaying of Multan Dry Port infrastructure and encroachments along the way has slowed down the cargo flow to and from the port, jeopardizing the entire import and export operations.
President Multan Dry Port Trust Sheikh Tanvir Ahmad said that dilapidated road infrastructure near Multan Dry Port is adversely affecting the trade. It would also have a serious impact on the economic activities of South Punjab. He said that South Punjab only Dry port had capability of handling cumulative country’s throughput, if it worked in full prospective, but cargo flow to and from the port had become a obstacle.
“To cope with it, the government needs to develop high-class roads to connect to highways for competing with global peers with reference to transit trade and transshipment hub. There is a need to focus on providing smart solutions to all Dry port terminal in terms of improving and monitoring port infrastructure, optimizing cargo handling, automating customs clearance, encouraging intermodal transportation services, improving port and cargo safety”. Logistics and transportation infrastructure in a country not only supports local businesses but also helps in expediting national exports. The economic contribution of seaport activity is of paramount importance when it comes to country’s development.
He said that the roads leading to Multan Dry Port terminal were destroyed in the rains, and even after months the roads were in the same shape. On the other hand, maintaining road infrastructure and ensuring flow of traffic is government’s responsibility.”
Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Mian Rashid Iqbal said it was really unfortunate that Multan Dry Port remained functional for hardly eight hours a day due to ban on movement of heavy vehicles. He also urged the need to make collective efforts in dealing numerous ports and shipping related issues, which have been pending since last so many years, particularly those being created by the shipping agents and terminal operators.
