Summary Railways Minister Haneef Abbasi has set a target of operating 14 freight trains by January, alongside plans to expand infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Railways Haneef Abbasi has announced plans to expand freight operations, setting a target of operating 14 freight trains by January in response to demands from the business community.
The announcement came during a meeting chaired by the minister in Lahore, where several decisions were taken to improve railway operations, increase revenue and strengthen the freight transportation system.
Abbasi said the decision to introduce additional freight trains had been taken in the interest of Pakistan Railways and in response to demands from traders.
The meeting also approved the establishment of a dry port in Khanewal to boost freight revenue. In addition, five more weighbridges will be installed across the country by December 31 to prevent overloading.
The minister directed that train accidents caused by mechanical failures be investigated by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Relevant train examiners will also face departmental inquiries in connection with such incidents.
To improve operational efficiency, the meeting decided to discontinue operational meetings at railway headquarters and hold them at the divisional level instead.
The railway administration will also phase out DVM and DVS coaches from its system.
Abbasi further directed sleeper factories to operate double shifts to increase production capacity. He expressed concern over delays in the procurement of spare parts for locomotives and passenger coaches.
Separately, the railway minister met Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to discuss the restoration of railway branch lines across the province.
During the meeting, assurances were given regarding the immediate release of funds for the rehabilitation of the branch lines.
