Railways Minister announces reduction in train fares

LAHORE: Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Monday announced reduction in 10 to 15 percent reduction in the fares of freight trains, ARY News reported.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the federal minister said that Pakistan Railway has formulated a 100-day plan, as per which new cargo trains will run between Peshawar and Karachi.

“We are planning to run cargo train having a capacity of transporting 12,500 tonnes of cargo,” he said, hoping that branding initiative would help earn handsome amount of revenue.

Khawaja Saad Rafique further said that Karakoram Express and Karachi Express will be upgraded by June 30 this year. “These trains would be upgraded on Green Line pattern,” he said, adding that upgradation would provide good travelling options to passengers.

He said that special Eid trains would also be operated, adding that seasonal trains would be run during summers, which include Awam Express, Shalimar Express and Bahauddin Zakaria Express.

He said that land of railways would be utilised for commercial purposes, as rules had been framed and sent to the cabinet and soon approval would be obtained.

Preparation for introducing solar system at stations, terminals, buildings, DS offices, headquarters was underway to reduce electricity expenses and soon the project would be announced.

Railways had decided to reduce freight fares by 10-15 per cent, he added. He said that Hirok bridge would be completed by coming April 15. The minister said that efforts were being made to make Sibi-Harnai section operational before the end of this fiscal year.

The railways minister said that process of outsourcing three airports was under way, adding that Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports would be outsourced. He said these airports would be outsourced after competitive bidding.

“The PIA restructuring has to be carried out and the matter had been discussed with international consultants.” He said that efforts were being made to give restructuring roadmap in a few months besides starting it’s implementation. Khawaja Saad Rafique hoped that in few months, Pakistan airlines would start flying to the UK.