Railways record Rs.115 bn revenue, ML-1 launch expected in September: Hanif Abbasi

RAWALPINDI, Jun 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday said that Pakistan Railways had achieved a historic revenue target of Rs.115 billion, the highest in its history, while the current revenue goal would also be met by July 6.

Talking to media after inaugurating newly constructed guard and driver running rooms at Rawalpindi Railway Loco Shed, he said that the process of reforms in Pakistan Railways was underway and complete digitalization of the department was being ensured.

Hanif Abbasi said that after assuming his office in March last year, the ministry had reduced operational costs by Rs.3.6 billion within four months, saving a sizeable amount. He added that five trains had been outsourced, freight sector revenue had increased by 32%, and land earnings of divisions had recorded more than 50% growth.

To a question, the minister informed that the foundation stone of the ML-1 project’s Rohri to Karachi section is expected to be laid by the Prime Minister in September.

The minister said railway schools and hospitals were being outsourced under a public-private partnership model, while right-sizing had also been implemented in various departments.

He said that power vans had not been overhauled for the past 20 years, adding that bids for procurement of 16 new power plants would be opened on Tuesday, and all power vans would be overhauled by March 23 next year.

He said refurbishment of four rakes of Awam Express had been completed as upgradation was already in process.

“All trains would be upgraded by June 2027”, he added.

Referring to future projects, he said work on ML-3 from Rohri to Zahidan was also underway and efforts were being made to initiate practical work during his tenure. He told that ECC has already approved ML-3 project.

The minister said that the exterior of Rawalpindi Railway Station would be upgraded on the pattern of Lahore, adding that arrangements for resources were being made and the project was expected to be completed by December.

“We have discussed the upgradation of the bazaar, adjacent to Rawalpindi Railway Station, in detail with the Station Commander Rawalpindi”, he said.

He said fares of passenger and freight trains had not been increased on the directions of the Prime Minister, adding that a reduction in petroleum prices alone did not make fare reduction feasible.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated modern running rooms equipped with air-conditioning, comfortable accommodation and solar-powered uninterrupted electricity supply for guards and locomotive pilots. He extended gratitude to DG FWO for making the rooms state-of-the-art facilities.

He said such facilities had been provided for the first time in 36 years and similar modern running rooms would be constructed in other major cities across the country.