Railways to ply 14 freight trains by January

LAHORE:

Pakistan Railways has decided to operate additional freight trains in response to demands from the business community, setting a target of running 14 freight trains by January to increase revenue and improve the department's financial position.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi at the Railways Headquarters on Friday.

The meeting approved the establishment of a dry port at Khanewal to boost freight revenue. It was also decided to seek an FIA investigation into train examiners in connection with accidents caused by mechanical faults.

To prevent overloading, five additional weighbridges will be installed across the country by December 31. The minister also decided to discontinue operational meetings at the Railways Headquarters, directing that such meetings be held at the divisional level to improve efficiency and performance.

The meeting further decided to phase out DVM and DVS coaches from the railway system. Instructions were also issued to operate sleeper factories in double shifts to enhance production.