Rehman Baba Express to start from Dec 25: Sheikh Rashid

Railways minister says 10 new freight trains have been made functional under the government’s 100-day agenda

PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed announced the launch of new Peshawar to Karachi economy class passenger train - Rehman Baba Express - on December 25.

Addressing a news conference in Peshawar on Saturday, the railways minister said, “Ten new passenger trains have been made functional under the government’s 100-day agenda and the number will be increased to 12 by March.”

Rashid said fresh appointments in the department would be made on merit. He added that the vigilance department was abolished and 600 employees were sent back to their parent departments.

Rashid said freight trains were a major source of revenue. He informed that he was committed to launching more freight trains to maximise earnings and minimising losses.

He added that Wifi and tracking services in trains had been started.

The minister said foreign entrepreneurs would be given incentives to invest in railways to generate more revenue, adding that the government was also working for the welfare of the workers and had decided to run its hospital, school and other facilities on modern lines.



He said encroachments would be removed but it was impossible to remove 5,000 houses only in Karachi, adding that the politicians as well as a huge portion of society were corrupt and encroached upon state properties.

He said masses were suffering because they had never raised their voice against corruption.

For revival of the railways, the minister said the Germans and Russians had shown interest in track expansion across the country and in new locomotives.