Railway is still a cheap mode of transportation for local as well as international commuters. Railways rendered their remarkable services during the great pilgrimage to Pakistan in 1947. But since then its health has vigorously deteriorated. Today, Pakistan Railways is at the edge of bankruptcy which is imposing immense stress on an already struggling economy. Corruption and mismanagement has consumed the organisation and infrastructure of this department. Many important rail routes have been decommissioned and quite a few are in the waiting list; debts are as high as mountains; pensioners are in a state of unrest; locomotives are being smuggled and fuel in reserves is scarce.
Moreover, delays in the arrival of trains discourage commuters to avail their services and also delay the arrival of freights causing financial pressure on the few remaining industries. While other countries are enjoying the tremendous speed of bullet trains, we are still employing diesel and coal locomotives. For a country as populous as Pakistan, railways can be a decent source of income. Although it would require honest and sincere governing since a steady system in this division is almost nonexistent.
SAAD AHMED
Karachi