Pakistan Railways to add 500 engines in system within next 10 years

KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan Railways has planned to add 500 new engines in the system within next ten years to fulfill the requirements of the department, reported Dunya News.

According to the details, many companies have shown interest in making engines for Pakistan Railways in the collaboration. Pakistan Railways has given an order of 55 engines to an American company in order to comply with the urgent needs. Pakistan Railway has also inked an agreement with Turk Railways for the reinstallation and repairing of cargo trains.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan Railways’ deficit had decreased from 32 billion rupees to 27 billion rupees in the fiscal year 2014-15.

Also read: Double railway track from Lodhran to Raiwind inaugurated

A double railway track from Lodhran to Raiwind was jointly inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique in Lahore today (Saturday).

The project was started in 2003 and completed in three phases. Now the main line double railway track has been completed from Karachi to Lahore.

The track will help reduce seven hours time of freight trains as well.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said transparency and merit is being ensured in Pakistan Railways.

He said there is no interference in the working of Pakistan Railways and deficit is being lowered by three billion rupees annually.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said railways labour benefit package will be announced soon.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said various sectors including Pakistan Railways have shown considerable improvement during the tenure of the incumbent government.

He said the government is focusing on projects related to infrastructure and energy.

He said Punjab government has paid a total of 55 billion rupees from its share to other provinces, under the NFC Award to accelerate development activities there.