Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of locomotive manufacturing in Islamabad, Rafique told that railway fares were being cut from 3 to 5 per cent. The fare reduction will be implemented on some particular passenger trains.
Pakistan initiated a project to manufacture five new locomotives in collaboration with China at Pakistan Railway Locomotive Factory (PRLF), Risalpur.
Talking about the project, Rafique said manufacturing of new locomotives worth Rs. 2.23 billion will be completed by March this year.
The Minister informed this the first time since 2008 that complete manufacturing of locomotives will be carried out in the country.
He said Pakistan Railways has decided to manufacture more locomotives in the local industry.
“During next five years Pakistan will manufacture 64 engines among them 20 will be manufactured during first 2-year”, said Saad Rafique.
He said in order to improve performance of Pakistan Railways, new tenders will be issued for purchase of 55 engines, adding these locomotives will be used in freight trains.
“Government has decided to add five more freight trains in its operation soon”, he added.
The minister said these freight trains will operate from Karachi to Rohri, Lahore, Faisalabd, Wazirabad and Sialkot generating revenue of Rs. 1.5 billion for Pakistan Railways.
