An official of Pakistan Railways told APP that the projects of doubling of tack from Khanewal to Raiwind was initiated at the cost of Rs12617.400 million out of which only 90 km from Okara-Raiwind is left which will be completed in financial year 2011-12.

The rehabilitation of the existing track from Lahore to Rawalpindi-Peshawar will start with the help of Asian Development Bank in year 2011-12.

The project for realignment of track from Kaluwal to Pindora on Jhelum Rawalpindi section is likely to start in 2011-12.

The project of restoration of damaged assets on Mirpur Mathelo to Shahdadpur section and Bin Qasim stations damaged as aftermath of December 27, 2007 has been taken in hand and would be completed by year 2012.

Computerized online reservation system has been introduced on the Pakistan Railway system and so for 42 stations have been computerized while 10 more stations are planned in year 2011-12.

Installation of automated arrival departure board at major railway stations is likely to be completed in the financial year 2011-12.

The project of procurement of 150 new diesel locomotives at the cost of Rs55,488 million was approved by the ENEC in December 2010, contract agreement is being executed and the project is expected to mature with in three years time.

Contract agreement for manufacture procurement of 75 new diesel locomotives amounting to US $105.143 million was signed with Fong Fang Company of China.

Procurement manufacture of 202 new design passenger Coaches amounting to $ 134.452 million will be completed in year 2012-13.

Replacement of three break down rescue cranes and procurement of five sets of relief trains equipment at the cost of Rs1674 million was approved.

Rehabilitation and improvement of track from Quetta to Taftan bears the estimate cost of $671 million. The work will be completed in next 5 years subject to provision of funds from international and national financial institutions.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011