Pakistan Railways CEO Aamir Ali Baloch has announced plans to introduce a new train on the Green Line model between Lahore and Karachi, with a gradual upgrade of all carriages.
Responding to public queries during an e-kachehri (virtual open court), Pakistan Railways CEO Aamir Ali Baloch said the department’s top priority is to provide better travel facilities to passengers.
He highlighted that Pakistan Railways now possesses modern technology, allowing local production of new wagons, which will eliminate the need to import wagons from abroad.
Aamir Ali Baloch revealed that Pakistan Railways restored Bolan Express operation in just 45 days using its own resources. Furthermore, rain-damaged railway tracks and bridges are also being repaired in the country without outside assistance.
The Director General of Railways issued immediate directives to the concerned divisional superintendent to improve amenities like drinking water, additional benches and other facilities at stations like Padidan and Sialkot.
Replying to a question on railway land encroachments in Faisalabad, the CEO directed DS Lahore to take immediate steps to recover railway land from squatters and land mafias.
Regarding onboard services, he instructed improvements in food quality and cleanliness, highlighting the department’s responsibility to provide passengers with a clean and comfortable environment. He also urged the public to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness in trains.
The e-kachehri was attended by more than 35,000 people and received approximately 6,500 comments.
Earlier, Pakistan Railways introduced a 50% concession on railway fares for people with disabilities traveling on all express and passenger trains, excluding the Green Line.
The discount is obtained upon presentation of the Computerized National Identity Document (CNIC) with the disability logo, an official from the Ministry of Railways confirmed, APP reported. The discount also extends to attendants accompanying visually impaired passengers.
Additionally, the Railways have made several provisions to help disabled persons at major stations. Wheelchairs are available at all main stations and special reservation and booking counters have been designated at the reservation offices.
Free access to executive toilets and toilets is provided at selected main stations, and 12 stations will have dedicated executive toilets for people with disabilities in the near future. The official added that these facilities aim to improve the comfort and accessibility of railway services for them.
