Railways yet to receive Rs 11.6 billion bailout package

The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that Pakistan Railways is yet to receive Rs 11.6 billion bailout package approved by the Federal Cabinet, as four months have lapsed. Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour told the House during question-hour that Pakistan Railways needs funds to purchase new locomotives and repair the old-ones besides improving its infrastructure.
He said that a proposal was under consideration to repair 100 diesel electric locomotives and improve the traction power of 100 locomotives for which Rs 6.1 billion have been demanded from the government. He further said that there was also a proposal for rehabilitation of 27 locomotives of 3,000 horse powers, adding that PC-1 amounting to Rs 5,314 million was considered by central development working party of planning commission during a meeting held on April 7, 2011 which recommended the PC-1 to Ecnec for approval.
To another question, Bilour said a contract agreement amounting to 105.143 million dollars for procurement and manufacturing of 75 Chinese diesel electric locomotives was signed with Dongfang Electric Corporation, China on December 31, 2008. However, the case is sub-judice in Islamabad High Court.
He further said that a PC-1 for procurement of 150 locomotives amounting to Rs 55.488 million has also been approved by Ecnec on December 9, 2010. He added that American and other international locomotive manufacturers may participate in the tender to supply 150 diesel electric locomotives.
Responding to a question, he said a proposal of life insurance was under consideration for those people who lost their lives in rail related incidents. Earlier, he told the House that around 644 accidents took place on the Railway network during the last four years. Out of these, he said that 45 percent accidents took place at level crossings.
He further said that steps were underway to put Pakistan Railways on modern lines, adding that the entire railway network was being equipped with modern signalling system while Walkie-Talkie radio sets had also been provided to train guards and relief trains.
He said installation of VHF radio set at each station on main line from Peshawar to Karachi had been completed whereas installation of VHF Radio on 280 locomotives running with Mail, Express, Passenger and Goods trains had also been completed. He said the train service on Sahiwal to Raiwind track would hopefully start by the end of this year.
To a question, he said that Pakistan Railways was granting 50 percent concession in economy class and 25 percent concession in all AC classes to senior citizens who attained the age of 65 years. Besides, he said that journalists were being given 80 percent concession in fare while their amities were enjoying 50 percent.
He further said that passenger can avail the concession in all trains except five non-stop trains including Millat Express, Karakoram Express, Karachi Express, Islamabad Express and Margala Express. To another question, the minister said that steps have been taken to address corruption issue, adding that all the vulnerable areas have been addressed on priority by strictly implementing relevant rules and regulations laid down to ensure transparency.