ML-1 up-gradation to bring economic revolution in country: Sheikh Rasheed

RAWALPINDI: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed on Monday said that the up-gradation of  Karachi-Lahore Peshawar railway track, ML-1, will change the entire look of Pakistan Railways and bring ‘economic revolution’ in the country, ARY News reported.

Talking to the journalists here in Rawalpindi today, he said cost and other matters related to the up-gradation of ML-1 will be finalized by the end of December.

About the reforms in the department, Sheikh Rasheed announced that the seven divisional headquarters of the PR will now remain operative 24/7 along with the e-ticketing system.

Sheikh Rasheed said the seven headquarters of the PR will remain operation 24/7, adding that Rehman Baba Express will be launched on 23rd of December.

“We will also launch three Safari trains for the tourists,” the minister reiterated.

Relating the recent hike in the greenback’s value, Mr Rashid said, fares of 40 trains will be increased while fares of 100 other trains will remain ‘unchanged.’

Answering a question about the ongoing anti-encroachment operation in Karachi, the minister said that he has discussed the matter regarding recovery of land owned by Railways with the prime minister.

“We will see when we will reach Karachi, the government is not interested in depriving poor people of their shelter,” said Rasheed.

Related: PR earned Rs 2billion in last four months, says Sheikh Rasheed

The minister concluded by repeating his earlier announcement that he will immediately suspend Railway employees involved in helping passengers travel without ticket.