ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
A high-level meeting was held at Pakistan Railways Headquarters, Lahore, under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, in which several important decisions regarding reforms and improvement of the railways were taken. It was decided that passenger trains would be outsourced through open auction, and this decision would also be applicable to the most recent outsourcing contracts. The meeting also approved the revision of the annual revenue benchmark of trains, for which a special committee has been constituted. Furthermore, to ensure safe train operations, the Safety Department has been upgraded to the status of a full-fledged Directorate, along with transfers of officers and staff to strengthen the department.
During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the condition of guards’ and drivers’ running rooms. The Federal Minister for Railways stated that “Guards and Drivers are the backbone of Pakistan Railways; their rooms, kitchens, and washrooms must meet the highest standards.” The Minister directed the upgradation of running rooms, beginning with Rohri, Khanpur and Khanewal. These running rooms will be equipped with air-conditioning, kitchens, and common dining facilities.
The progress of targets assigned to the Mechanical Department was also reviewed in detail, upon which the Minister expressed satisfaction. The meeting was informed that by March 30, a total of 295 high-capacity freight wagons will be inducted into the system. Freight booking will be shifted entirely to an online system, which will become operational from next week. Moreover, all AC Standard and AC Parlour coaches of the Shalimar Express will be completely replaced with brand new ones, while refurbished coaches for the Lahore–Rawalpindi railcars will be introduced by November 11. Similarly, all four rakes for the Lahore–Narowal section will be received by January 8.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi remarked that although resources are limited, the determination is strong. He added that Pakistan Railways is moving in the right direction and that the public will soon witness tangible results.
