July-april: Pakistan Railways incurs additional debt of Rs153m

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has incurred additional debt of Rs152.914 million during the period between July 2015 to April 2016, owing to the issuance of free passes and tickets on concessional rates.

Officials of Railways are entitled to travel on free passes in limited number each year, said the Ministry of Railways. “The persons entitled to travel free or on concessional rates are provided the facility of advance reservation at all reservations/ booking offices of Pakistan Railways,” the officials said. Pakistan Railways is also providing concessional rates to local and foreign students.

“The department is also providing 50% concession to blind/disabled persons. However, blind students are being given 65% off and their accompanying attendant 50% off on tickets,” the officials added.

Sports athletes and journalists are also being given concession at the rate of 40% and 80% respectively. “There is no proposal under consideration of the government at present to withdraw these concessions,” officials concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2016.

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