Pakistan Railways (PR) is a national state-owned rail transport service of Pakistan, head-quartered in Lahore. It is administered by the federal government under the Ministry of Railways. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation throughout Pakistan. It is commonly referred to as the “lifeline of the country”. The total length of railway tracks in Pakistan is 5,072 miles (8,163 km).
On May 13th, 1861 the first railway line was opened to the public, between Karachi and Kotri with a total distance of 105 miles (169 km).
China is actively involved in the development of Pakistan Railways and for the past five years it has been increasing its stake in the country’s communication sector. The freight-passenger earnings comprise 50 percent of the railway’s total revenue. Pakistan Railways carries 65 million passengers annually and operates 228 mails, express and passenger trains daily.
As a part of its development plan for its transport and communications network, Pakistan Railways has completed a feasibility study of the Chaman-Kandahar section for laying railway tracks between Pakistan and Turkmenistan through Afghanistan. The main aim of the venture is to connect the Central Asian republics with Pakistan Railways’ network through Afghanistan. Pakistan’s internal rail network can also provide China with rail access to Iran.
During the Financial Year 2008-2009, total earnings of Pakistan Railways amounted to Rs 23,158,701,194. During the year 2008-2009, Ordinary Operating Expenses of the Railways were 121.35 percent to total earnings.
6,936,538 freight tonnes were carried by Pakistan Railways during 2008-2009 and 5,896,329,162 tonne-kilometres were earned averaging 850.0 kilometres travelled by a tonne.
Traffic carried free of charge is not included in these figures. Even though it is such an important organisation, it is not modern and has not made any considerable progress in the past. It needs to be revitalised and enhanced in order to make a dynamic and profit earning organisation.
MUHAMMAD WAQAS FAROOQ
Lahore
