Railways deficit decreased to Rs 27 bln: Saad

ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP): Railway Minister Khawja Saad Rafique Tuesday told the Senate that the deficit of Pakistan Railways had decreased to Rs 27 billion from Rs 32.52 billion in 2013-14 and it would be reduced further.
Replying to a question in the Upper House, he said a number of new cargo trains had been added to the system.
The mimister said due to raise in the pensions and salaries of railway employees the financial burden had increased. About Rs 40 million was spent by the government last year in that regard.
He said the performance of Railways was being improved under a plan. Its income had increased to Rs 36.60 billion from Rs 31.90 billion in 2014-15.
He said under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the centre corridor of NK-1 was being improved.
Similarly, Jacobabad-Sibi-Quetta track was being upgraded while Quetta would be linked with Dera Ismail Khan through Zohb, he added.
The minister said the top priority was complete ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 projects, which would be launched in phases.
Saad Rafique said 60 to 70 per cent land had been purchased for the establishment of a railway station in the Gwadar city.
He said 45 per cent work on the Sibi-Hernai track had been completed. Billions of rupees were needed laying track from Quetta to Taftan, he added.
He said a transport company had been established to search ways for generating revenue through cargo service.
The Custom officials in Karachi, he said, had computerized their clearance system for trains carrying cargo for Afghanistan.