Pakistan economy watch: ‘Privatise Railways to improve performance’

Weak, unreliable, and outdated railways can be privatised to improve its performance says PEW.

ISLAMABAD:

Deterioration of Pakistan Railways is a threat to trade which should be tackled immediately, according to the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW).

Weak, unreliable, and outdated railways can be privatised to improve its performance, said PEW President Dr Murtaza Mughal on Wednesday.

Reduced allocations and internal inefficiencies has plummeted freight share to 4% from 73 per cent and passenger share to 8% from 41%.

The productivity of Pakistan Railways freight services is around one-tenth of Chinese Railways, one-fourth of Indian Railways, and one-third of Thai Railways, he said.

Improved transportation services can help improve trade with the rest of the world, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th,  2011.