ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk on Tuesday was briefed about the performance of Pakistan Railways and the future development strategy under National Vision 2025 in the Railways sector.
The meeting took place at the prime minister’s office in Islamabad and was attended by caretaker Railways Minister Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, PM’s Secretary Suhail Aamir, Railways Secretary Muhammad Javed Anwar and senior officers of Pakistan Railways.
PM Mulk was also briefed about the organisational structure of the railways, rail network in the country and past performance, besides being briefed about the new business plan and various initiatives taken, both in freight as well as passenger transportation sector, for the revival of railways and increasing its revenues.
The prime minister was informed that as a result of the right mix in service, the passenger share in railways has increased from 13 per cent in 2013 to three per cent in 2017. Pakistan Railways recorded revenue of Rs50 billion in 2017-18 as compared to Rs15.5 billion in 2011-12.
PM Mulk was also briefed about the progress made in various rail network extension projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The meeting’s attendees were informed that the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project from Karachi to Havelian was being upgraded as Early Harvest Project under the CPEC. They were also briefed about the completion of a feasibility study for the upgrading of ML-2 (Kotri-Attock) project.
Feasibility studies on the extension of ML–2 (Gwadar – Basima – Jacobabad and Basima-Quetta) and the extension of ML–3 (Quetta – Bostan – Zhob – DI Khan – Kotlajam) projects are also underway, the attendees were informed.
Prime Minister Mulk was also apprised about the challenges faced by the organisation including the issue of pension liabilities that contributed to 34 per cent of the total expenditure of the organisation.
The PM appreciated the performance of Pakistan Railways, especially various initiatives that were taken up under the strategic business plan. He observed that with the CPEC project, there exists a huge potential and scope for railways to further improve its performance and increase its share both in passenger as well as freight transportation sector.
The prime minister further said that the organisation was following the right direction for its revival and sustainability. He directed that a comprehensive plan is worked out to overcome the existing challenges for the consideration of the incoming elected government.
