Pakistan Railways to operate 3 new trains from next month: Rashid

LAHORE: Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid on Saturday said 10,000 new employees would be recruited in Pakistan Railways on urgent basis and a summary has been sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan for approval in this regard.

Speaking at a press conference at the PR headquarters, the minister said the railways faces shortage of 23,000 employees and needs 10,000 employees on urgent basis.

He said that the railways has decided to operate three new trains from the next month, adding that a new train would be operated between Lahore and Faisalabad from October 1, while Mohnjodaro Express and Rohi Express trains would be operated from October 16.

Rashid said Wi-Fi facility will be made available in trains soon.

He vowed to increase the number of freight trains from 10 to 15 by Sept 30 and added agreements in this regard have already been signed.

The losses the department faces as of now stand at Rs38 billion, the minister said.

He said he has summoned an inquiry report on the Khushal Khan Express incident, which will be furnished until Sept 30.

It is pertinent to mention here that over a dozen people had suffered injuries when seven cars of Khushal Khan Express derailed near Mianwali last week.

He said bids for provision of pure drinking water at railway stations will be opened from Oct 15.