Locomotives being transported. PHOTO: APP.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Railways is planning to import 20 light weight diesel locomotives, particularly for hilly areas and Balochistan, in order to facilitate the passengers.
"The main purpose of locomotives is to enhance the performance of the transport sector of railways and allowing them to traverse mountainous terrains with steep gradient tracks easily," sources in the Ministry of Railways said on Friday.
Railways ministry to soon complete PC-1
They said that modernising rail transportation and improving regional connectivity were critical components of the ministry's plan.
To a question, they said railways had increased 1,460 passenger coaches and 16,085 freight wagons during the last five years due to dedicated efforts of the management and enhanced spending on upgrading of coaches.
However, he said the position had been substantially improved as tangible steps were taken by the management through allocation of additional funds for repair and upgrading of coaches.
Balochistan to have a vast share in Railways, says Rafique
They said that currently railways had owned 455 locomotives of different horse power and was operating 110 passengers and 62 freight trains across the country.
The sources said railways had inducted as many as 145 new locomotives in the fleet during last five years to facilitate the passengers and generate more revenue for the department.
To another question, they said that railways decided to rehabilitate and modernise around 136 non-functional locomotives to improve the system and increase efficiency of the organisation.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ