Minister for Railways Ghaus Bux Maher on Thursday said that ticketing system in Pakistan Railways is being computerised besides improving the reservation system.
Now online reservation can also be made while black marketing of ticketing has been ended in Railways, he said in an interview.
The Minister informed that timing of trains has improved and with the installation of new signalling system, trains would reach destinations in time.
Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, he added, is also keen to bring positive changes in railways and for this, he has promised to provide the required funds.
About making the railways viable and strong, he said all out efforts, living within our resources, are being made.
Responding to a question, he said now passengers prefer railway travel as it is more safe and easy mode of travelling as compared to other means of transportation.
About mega projects being carried out for development of railways, Ghaus Bux Maher said dualisation of railway tracks, installation of new signalling system and improvement and replacement of infrastructure like railway tracks, locomotive, coaches and freight wagons, are in process.
He said railway was neglected in the past regimes, but from 1999, special focus was given to this most important mode of transportation.
Replying to a question, Maher said rail routes, which were not viable were abandoned so that special emphasis could be given to commercial routes.
Ghaus Bux Maher said keeping in view the importance of railways in national economy, various projects for the revival of railways are being completed.
Top priority is to provide maximum and better facilities to its passengers, he said adding, a number of steps have been taken to make railway journey safe.
As regards fares of different routes Maher said, fares of Pakistan Railways are very economical and these are fixed while considering all related factors.
The minister said all big stations are being upgraded while modern facilities are being provided there.
Responding to another question, he said with the passage of time, improvement is being brought. Few years ago, the railways was really in bad condition, but now this is on the road of progress.
New locomotives, coaches and freight wagons have been inducted besides the refurbishment of old coaches, he said.
He informed, about 65 wagons are ready in China and in few days, these would be delivered to Pakistan.
When asked about construction of railway track up to Gwadar, he said this railway track is imperative for success of Gwadar deep sea port.
The total length of railway track from Gwadar to Central Asian Republics (CARs) is about 1100 kilometres while the distance via Iran or China is almost double, he added
He opined that construction of railway track would not only enhance performance of the port but also accelerate movement of goods and decrease pressure on the roads.