Pakistan Railways has demanded of the finance division to grant a special package to overcome the loss of more than Rs 1 billion due to Ghotki triple-train accident. Official sources in the ministry of railways told Business Recorder that the matter would be discussed in the next Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting.
Country witnessed worst-ever railway disaster just as calls were raised for the privatisation of the ageing, fund-starved state-run transportation giant.
The triple-train collision at the Sarhad Station, near Ghotki, on July 13 was reckoned as the nation's worst rail accident that wrecked 17 rail cars and left more than 150 people dead.
The sources said a summary to seek financial help for mending PR's fractured fleet was earlier sent to the Ecnec, which had directed the railway authorities to incorporate the recommendations of the inquiry report conducted by Federal Inspector General for Railways (FIGR) as well.
"We are preparing a new summary in light of FIGR's recommendations which would shortly be submitted to the Ecnec," they added.
It is learnt that Railways has suffered a loss of more than Rs 1 billion due to triple-train crash.
The inquiry report, the sources added, observed that there was dire need of revamping railways communication system in order to avert Ghotki-like incidents.
The railway authorities have already announced to thrash out a comprehensive plan of action by introducing latest communication system.
According to the plan of action, a VHF system would be installed to ensure effective communication between train crew, station staff and control offices.
Walkie-talkies will be provided to the staff of all the Mall and Express trains as an additional help for communicating with station officials and staff of nearby trains.
The railways ministry has also planned to set up an inspection committee to examine the existing railway system, including tracks, signals and electrification equipment.
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