National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad
Rafique on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that Railway’s revenue has been enhanced from Rs. 18 billion to Rs. 35.182 billion in fiscal year 2105-16 due to effective steps of the government.
Replying to a question in the National Assembly regarding steps taken by
the government to increase Railways revenue, he said that Railways’ losses has been reduced to Rs. 24 billon in current fiscal year from 32 billion during 2013-14.
He said that punctuality percentage of Pakistan Railways also improved
from 10 percent to 70 percent due to which number of passengers significantly increased in last two years.
The minister said steps being taken to increase revenue include
commercial exploitation of land branch, introduction of new freight and passenger trains like Green Line and Parcel Express, renovation of old rakes and addition/repair of locomotives and coaches/freight bogies.
He informed the National Assembly that long term MOUs with private
sectors for transportation of coal, focus on non-traditional sources for generation of additional revenue such as stations and train brandings and improving punctuality, passenger facilitation to win back the confidence of customers.
He said that government is committed to prioritization of resources
(locomotives) towards freight sector. Introduction of heavier locomotives of 4000 to 4500 HP and high capacity for better yield and up-gradation and improvement of freight terminals.
He said that 11 Railways stations are being up graded that also include
Karachi Cant Railways Station.