ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT/APP): Pakistan Railways has received a sum
of Rs 54.5 million out of total Rs 105 million for manning the unmanned
level crossings in the current financial year from the Sindh Government.
“The total number of manned level crossings over Pakistan Railway
system at present is 1514 and un-manned level crossings are 1875,” sources
in the Ministry of Railways told APP.
They said the total number of vulnerable level crossings were 550 as
per joint survey conducted in collaboration with the concerned district
authorities during 2013.
Pakistan Railways has proactively taken up this issue with the provincial governments and 75 unmanned level crossings out of 550 have been
converted into manned level crossings during 2015-16 in the province of
Punjab compare to only seven unmanned level crossings upgraded during last
five years (2008-2013), they added.
The sources said that efforts are underway for up-gradation of
remaining vulnerable level crossings. In this regard, the help of respective
provincial governments is being solicited.
They said the government of Punjab has agreed to provide funding for
up-gradation of another 150 vulnerable unmanned level crossings during
financial year 2016-17 and 2017-18.
In order to update the status of vulnerable level crossings, a fresh
survey is scheduled during March to May 2017, they added.
Pakistan Railways is also exploring the possibility of converting
vulnerable unmanned level crossings into underpasses on BOT basis.