ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT/APP): Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Ashiq
Hussain Shah Thursday informed the National Assembly the Sindh government has provided a sum of Rs. 54.5 million out of total Rs. 105 million for manning the unmanned level crossings in the current financial year.
During the question hour, he said the total number of manned level
crossings over Pakistan Railway system at present is 1514 and un-manned level crossings are 1875.
He said the total number of vulnerable level crossings is 550 as per
joint survey conducted in collaboration with the concerned district authorities during 2013.
Ashiq Hussain said 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).
He 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.
Ashiq Hussain 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, Ashiq Hussain added.
Pakistan Railways is also exploring the possibility of converting
vulnerable unmanned level crossings into underpasses on BOT basis.