Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways and the Chinese government have agreed in principle to form a consortium to carry out a feasibility study into a planned joint venture rail service between the two countries, Pakistan’s railways minister said.

The study will cover a new 350km track from the terminus in Kashgar, Xinjiang autonomous region, to Pakistan’s Khunjerab Pass. The railway would initially provide freight services and would later carry passengers as well.

The countries were also reported to be seeking a loan from international organisations for the project.