Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Friday that Railways will have a key role in success of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and full cooperation will be sought from China to improve its condition. "Chinese authorities would be proposed to plant trees across the CPEC route in collaboration with the indigenous authorities to make it eco-friendly. About 60 percent of population inhabits along the railways tracks whereas all railways routes would be made environment friendly," said the minister while talking to media persons after inaugurating a plant nursery here at Margalla Railway Station.
He also warned that officials involved in receiving kickbacks in contracts would not be spared. "Now Imran Khan has come whose slogan is zero corruption and no tolerance. Imran Khan has given clear directions for going after the corrupt people," said the minister, adding that money laundering case against former President Asif Ali Zardari is very strong.
Ahmed said that modern tracking system would be introduced in Railways that would help reduce journey duration between Lahore and Rawalpindi, besides developing a modern technical organization offering facilities to everyone soon. He also claimed to bring a definite change in the Railways until December.
He said Railways has the potential to generate maximum revenue which could contribute to alleviate national debt. Two new express trains would be launched next week from Islamabad and Lahore on September 14, 15 respectively. The minister said that Harnai-Sibbi railway track is ready and would be made operational at the availability of security. Around 660 passenger coaches are outdated which would be upgraded. "Wi-Fi and passenger tracking systems are going to be introduced in trains for public convenience and safety," he said.
He said that coal agreement would be signed with Jamshoro Power Plant next week which would help generate good revenue for Railways. He resented the freight rail performance and said it would be upgraded into one window operation within 15 days. Ahmed further said that 20,000 vacancies are available in Railways and out of them, 10,000 essential posts would be filled on merit soon.
He further said that Pakistan Railways has planted 184,000 plants on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. In Margalla nursery, initially 25,000 seeds have been sowed, which will grow into healthy plants till next monsoon season. Later on these plants will be planted at various stations. Apart from it, 3,000 saplings were already present at this nursery while it would generate 100,000 plants annually. These would later be planted at various stations and installations.
Pakistan Railways is having the vision of "Green Pakistan - Green Railway" whereas it will be self-sufficient by next year in generating its own saplings and trees. The minister claimed that at present 25 nurseries have been developed, while four each would be set up at divisional headquarters of Pakistan Railways.
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