ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering transporting imported edible oil from Port Qasim by rail as part of broader logistics reforms aimed at cutting costs, easing traffic congestion in Karachi and improving environmental outcomes, officials said on Tuesday.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting between a delegation from the Ministry of Railways and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who said the government was examining plans to establish a railway station and modern storage facilities at the port.

Pakistan currently relies heavily on road transport for moving imported edible oil inland, contributing to congestion, higher fuel consumption and logistics bottlenecks in Karachi. Shifting bulk cargo to rail is part of wider efforts to improve port-linked supply chains and reduce transport inefficiencies.

“Under this project, the transportation of edible oil through railways will help save both time and cost,” Chaudhry said, according to an official statement, adding that the initiative would significantly reduce traffic pressure in Karachi.

Chaudhry said trains carrying edible oil would operate from Port Qasim and Keamari to major consumption and industrial centers, including Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad, Hattar and Peshawar.

He said the project envisages shifting around 100,000 tons of edible oil annually from road to rail, which would also support environmental goals through lower fuel use and reduced transport emissions.

“The railway project will support port-related logistics reforms and bring environmental benefits by promoting efficient fuel use and lowering transportation costs,” Chaudhry said.

The statement said the plan also aligned with broader government efforts to modernize freight transport infrastructure and improve coordination between ports and the railway network.