Govt to launch 20 new trains by next year: Rashid

Railways Minister says the government's top priority is institutional reforms

PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid has said institutional reforms are the agenda of the government and Rehman Baba Express is a milestone achievement of Pakistan Railways.

Inaugurating the low-fare train at railway’s Peshawar Divisional Headquarters on Saturday, he said the train would facilitate travellers by saving their precious time with the additional facility of low fare rates.

He said the train would not only reduce the travelling time between Peshawar and Karachi but would also facilitate passenger by giving them affordable fares.

The minister told media that the federal government is launching 20 new trains and three tourist trains in the country by next year, while it is also planning to start two VIP trains between the major cities.

“We would include passenger trains and trade trains between the various economically vibrant cities, which would boost economic activities across the country,” he said.

“We are working for laying new tracks between Karachi and Peshawar and for this purposes we are to ink an agreements in March with various firms,” he added.  Responding to a question, he said through vibrant steps in the Railways, the economic activities would be boosted soon.

“Those who are alleged of looting public money have been made chairman of Public Accounts Committee,” he said in a reference to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif.