Parliamentary panel informed: Upgradation of PR ML-1 project to be carried out in phases under CPEC

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel, Friday, was informed that the upgradation of the Pakistan Railway (PR) ML-1 Project would be completed in phases under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Secretary PR Mazhar Ali Shah, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Railways meeting held under the chairmanship of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, said that the ML-1 project from Karachi to Peshawar was critical for the communication network of the country.

Senior officials provided a briefing on the project’s operations, key milestones, and existing railway lines.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha inquired about the cessation of railway tracks following the floods. It was reported that, despite the complications caused by the floods, the ML-1 design is structured with environmental resilience in mind. In addition to this resilience, the design incorporates features such as cross-drainage, proper fencing, and boundaries. Officials asserted that the project is transformational for the Railways.

Senator Jam Saifullah Khan recommended that the ministry ensure the loan for this project is cost-effective and results in reduced travel time as well as positive environmental impacts.

In response, the secretary reiterated that the project is indeed cost-effective and includes favourable conditions for loan repayment. He also mentioned that private-sector investment is being sought for the project.

The chairman, along with the other committee members, unanimously, agreed that the improvement and advancement of the railway system are essential for the long-term welfare of the people.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha suggested that the Ministry of Railways present the original plan for the ML-1 project and review the reasons for changes in its financial cost and structural changes. He recommended that the ministry may brief on the steps taken to incorporate measures to address climatic change in the light of heavy rains and floods in the country. Senator Jam Saifullah Khan further recommended prioritizing the ML-1 project and expediting its progress.

The meeting discussing a matter raised by Senator Shahadat Awan pertaining to the steps taken to control corruption and the number of railway officials held responsible or penalised on corruption charges over the past five years. He expressed concern that the response provided by the ministry was unsatisfactory. He highlighted discrepancies in the reported figures concerning the number of penalised cases and the actions taken against them.

According to the ministry’s report, 93 cases were penalised, with legal action reported against 41 workers in Karachi. However, the written response indicated that action was taken against only 31 workers, revealing inconsistencies and a lack of coherence in the numbers provided. The railway department has suffered a loss of four billion over the past five years, with 10,000 cases reported during this period. The senator suggested the ministry provide comprehensive details regarding fraud within the department. He further stated that attributing the entire loss to pension issues is not justifiable.

The chairman committee stressed the importance of addressing the committee’s responsibilities and recommended that the ministry provide a detailed briefing on the questions raised by Senator Shahadat Awan, specifically concerning theft, corruption, monetary losses, and the actions taken against the perpetrators.

The secretary Railways informed the panel that the ministry has a clear directive of zero tolerance for corruption and is prepared to scrutinise matters to the extent that this august house deems necessary. He emphasised they will thoroughly review the audit reports, guided by the committee’s direction. The secretary assured the committee that all decisions will be made in strict accordance with the rules and regulations.

The chairman committee, acknowledging Senator Shahadat Awan’s concerns, directed the ministry to provide the relevant records.

Moreover, the committee members discussed the ratification of senators, Khalil Tahir and Ashraf Ali Jatoi as members of the Railway Advisory Committees for Lahore and Karachi, respectively. Senior officials from the relevant department presented the schemes, the foundations of the railway advisory council committees, the functions assigned to these committees, and the applicable railway laws and delegated legislation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024