The use of road and rail transport in Pakistan has undergone significant changes over the period from 1990 to 2007. While road transport has consistently grown, rail transport has faced various challenges and experienced a decline in its share of the transportation market.
1.Increasing Road Transport:
*Road transport has been the dominant mode of transportation in Pakistan throughout the 1990-2007 period.
*Government policies encouraging private vehicle ownership and improved road infrastructure contributed to this growth.
*A significant increase in the number of vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks, was observed during this time.
2.Declining Rail Transport:
*In contrast to road transport, rail transport faced numerous challenges during this period.
*Insufficient investment in rail infrastructure, aging locomotives and rolling stock, and poor management practices led to a decline in rail services.
*Many rail routes were closed, and the frequency of train services was reduced, causing a shift in passenger and freight traffic to road transport.
3.Impact on Economy and Environment:
*The increased reliance on road transport had several negative consequences.
*It resulted in increased traffic congestion, especially in urban areas.
*Pollution levels rose due to the higher number of vehicles and their emissions.
*Road accidents also became a major concern, leading to loss of lives and property.
4.Limited Integration:
*One notable challenge was the limited integration between road and rail transport systems.
*This hindered the efficient movement of passengers and freight, as there was no seamless transfer of services between the two modes of transport.
5.Growth of Private Sector Engagement:
*The 1990-2007 period witnessed the entry of the private sector into the transportation sector, particularly in road transport.
*Private bus and truck companies emerged as major players, providing competition to the state-owned rail service.
In summary, the period from 1990 to 2007 saw a significant growth in road transport in Pakistan, while rail transport experienced decline. This shift had implications for the economy, the environment, and the overall efficiency of the transportation system. Addressing the challenges faced by rail transport and promoting sustainable transportation practices became critical issues for the government to consider in subsequent years.