Rs 2.9bn sought for upgradation of railways

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Railways has planned up-gradation of 31 railways stations at an estimated cost of Rs. 2972.95 million across the country for provision of better facilities to the passengers.

“In this regard, Pakistan Railways has submitted PC-I for approval to rehabilitation and up-gradation of the railways stations,” according to reports.

Giving details of the railway stations, a department official said that the railway will upgrade nine stations in Punjab province, 12 in Sindh, five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three in Balochistan and one in Federal Capital.

The official said that Pakistan Railways will spend Rs 977.32 million for up-gradation in Punjab, Rs 1242.93 million in Sindh, Rs 442.71 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rs 243.49 million in Balochistan and Rs 66.5 million in Federal Capital.

He said that department has incurred Rs 144.605 million on the repair, renovation and re-construction of railway stations across the country during the period 1-1-2012 to 31-12-2014.

“Out of total amount Pakistan Railways has spent Rs 86.556 million on repair and renovation of railway stations in Punjab, Rs 57.278 million in Sindh, Rs 0.371 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rs 0.400 million in Balochistan,” he added.

To a question, the official said that renovation work of track, bridges and stations on Sibi-Khost Section is in progress and will be completed as soon as possible.

He said that the renovation work on the section included rehabilitation of eight railway stations at an estimated cost of Rs. 238 million, out of which an amount of Rs. 155 million has been incurred so far.