LAHORE:
The Government described on Sunday the main reforms for the Railways of Pakistan, including an imminent agreement in the Rohri -Karachi section, an assignment of RS50 billion to improve the Lahore -Rawalpindi track, reducing the travel time to two hours and the digitalization of the rail system.
The development occurred when Hanif Abbasi Railroad Minister went to the “Meet The Press” event at Lahore Press Club.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister announced “radical reforms” to modernize the sector, highlighting improvements such as the subcontracting of cleaning services in seven stations in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore, improving the quality of food and free Wi-Fi installation at the Lahore Railway Station.
He highlighted the key improvements in the infrastructure, including an agreement that will soon be completed for the Rohri-Karachi Railroad section and an assignment of RS50 billion by Punjab Prime Minister, Maryam Nawaz, to update the Lahore-Rawalpindi track, reducing the travel time to two hours.
Mechanical stairs and information desks have been introduced at the stations, and a 105 -kilometer railway for coal transport will be completed before April 30, reducing the electricity costs from RS15 to RS4.5 per unit. In addition, on July 29 Shehbaz Sharif will be inaugurating a commercial train with coaches equipped with Wi-Fi and a high quality meal.
The minister announced plans to digitize the rail system, link sixteen banks to the rail application and install ATMs in 348 stations. To address inefficiencies, three rail companies have been closed and long -term employees would be withdrawn.
“Pakistan Railways is Pakistan’s pride,” Abbasi said, promising to make it profitable if the federal government covers pensions and salaries. He stressed that rail problems are not derived from workers but from unidentified people who looted the system.
He emphasized the need for investment in railroads to boost the national economy, warning that important reforms are imminent and bureaucratic inefficiencies will not be tolerated.
When addressing employment concerns, Abbasi revealed a compassionate approach to hired workers. “We could dismiss the employees hired with a one -month salary, but instead, we are considering reassign to rail staff to their local areas,” he shared, pointing out a commitment to employee’s well -being.
The “Sushra Punjab” initiative will be extended to the rail colonies, with the aim of improving living conditions for staff and their families. Abbasi also claimed unprecedented improvements in cleaning throughout the rail system, stating: “The level of cleaning we have now achieved in the railroads had never been seen before.”
Broking illegal activities, Abbasi issued a severe warning against trips without tickets and related crimes. “Smuggling and theft used to affect the railroads. Now, anyone who travels without a ticket or helps such activities will face prison,” he warned.
To reinforce security, Pakistan Railways has recruited 500 new staff members for the railway police and plans to acquire scanners and metal detectors using the department’s own budget.
