A delegation of Bombardier Transportation, Sweden, led by Michael Thulin called on federal Railways Minister Mian Shamim Haider in his office and discussed installation of modern signalling system from Lahore to Rohri.
At present, this system has been functioning successfully from Karachi Cantt to Kotri.
During the meeting, Thulin said that his company manufactures machinery and computerised equipment for installing the most modern signalling system for railways of any country.
Earlier, this company had installed modern signalling system for the railways of Iran and Turkey. These have been working smoothly. To that effect, Pakistan Railways is our client.
Our representative/technical experts have been regularly inspecting the installation of signals in Pakistan. Thomas Fobenius, Director, Railways and Airport Division, Rejler and Peter Anderson from Tyrens, also gave their expert opinion on the subject.
Major General Hamid Hassan Butt (Retd), General Manager, Maintenance and Services, Railcop, said that the proposals were obtained from the concerned quarters to buy computerised equipment for signalling, but these would only be materialised after the approval of the Ecnec.
The installation of modern signalling system from Lahore to Rohri would cost Rs 1,600 million and would be completed within seven years.
Federal Railways Minister Shamim Haider thanked the delegation on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and said that the present regime is committed to provide best possible facilities to masses.
He said effective signalling system plays a vital role in smooth operation of trains. The proposals under reference by Bombardier Transportation would be implemented after soliciting the approval of Ecnec, he added.
Later, Michael Thulin presented a book and brochures about the equipment parts and machinery required for the installation of most modern signalling system to the railways minister.