LAHORE: Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has said that for issuance of an ordinance for the sale of Pakistan Railways land to overcome its deficit, he would request Prime Minster Imran Khan.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that the prime minister had already sought a report regarding the railway land within 15 days.
He said the PM’s approval would be sought for recruitment of 23,000 new employees in Pakistan Railways. About 10,000 skilled employees were needed on urgent basis for improvement of services, he added.
Unfortunately, the former government had spent huge amounts on the renovation of railway stations, he said adding that the job could have been done with a lesser amount, but about Rs 400 million was spent on each station.
The minister said, “We will bring private partners and builders for the renovation and upgradation of railway stations.”
He said the performance of railway hospitals was very poor, which would be handed over to the private sector on public-private partnership basis.
“I am in touch with the Army Medical Corps administration in this regard so that they may take over the charge of the hospitals and better treatment facilities could be provided to railway employees at economical rates,” the minister added.
Sheikh Rasheed also announced opening of two new routes in Sindh to facilitate the people.
He said two more upgraded trains, including Moenjodaro Express and Rohi Express, would become operational from today (Sunday).
He said the main focus of the current railway administration would be on improving the freight sector as it was its lifeline.
“One or two freight trains will be privatised on test basis for the betterment of the freight sector,” he added.
He further said, “Freight is the life line of Pakistan railway.”
To a question, the minister said the PM had appreciated his work.
“There will be a visible change in railways within 100 days,” he added.
The minister said the facilities of WiFi and tracking system in trains would also be provided in 100 days.
Sheikh Rasheed said the people would soon hear more good news, that might involve a labour train for labourers only. To a question, he said no suggestion about increase in the fare was under consideration.
To another question, he said no slum settlements on railway land would be disturbed on the direction of the PM.
The minister said the blind and other disabled persons, with their wheelchairs in the luggage van, could travel by train free of charge. Moreover, one helper of the disabled person could also travel at half fare with him/her, he added.
Answering a query, he said new trains would operate in those areas where road transport facility was not available.
Later, the minister visited the Lahore Railway Station to inspect the track of newly introduced train Rawalpindi Railcar.
He said clean water will be provided to passengers in every railway station and every station will be renovated soon.
He said tenders will be issued soon for renovation and decoration of railway stations. He urged the importance of public private partnership in railway to increase the productivity.
Published in Daily Times, September 16th 2018.