Pakistan Railways: Freight trains to be added, services improved

Minister for railways outlines steps to revamp loss making enterprise.

LAHORE: Re-structuring of Pakistan Railways and eradication of corrupt elements were at the top of the agenda to make the entity self-sustainable and financially sound, Federal minister Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said while addressing a press conference at Mayo Garden before addressing officers.

It had been decided in principle to remove all corrupt officials from key slots, he said. Rafique said that a re-structuring plan is being prepared, adding that it would be finalised after joint consultations with trade unions, experts and retired employees.

Management had requested posting a retired judge as Director Legal Department to deal with all court cases and issues, a retired judge to head an independent Vigilance Cell, while the Press Information Department was asked to appoint a Director for Public Relations to establish relations with the media, Rafique said.

The minister said that service quality in four passenger trains (Karakoram Express, Tezgam, Quetta Express and Karachi Express) will be improved by 29th July to attract and facilitate passengers, while two freight trains would be added shortly.

“We were preparing a five year plan to revamp railways” said Rafique, adding that repair work on rail tracks would be given priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2013.

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