Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has announced reduction in freight charges of goods trains besides attractive facilities to compete with the road transporters. Speaking at a press conference here at Railways Headquarters on Sunday, he said that as many as 14 locomotives had been included in the Railways present fleet and 20 more engines would be added in July. The minister claimed that the department had so far earned Rs 5.25 billion more as compared to the same period last year.
He was optimistic that Railways was expecting to earn Rs 6 billion more income in the current fiscal year due to what he said proper planning, firm determination and constant hard work. He attributed this phenomenal positive change to reduction in fare, departmental discipline, transparent sale of scraps and restoration of the goods trains.
Saad was of the view that four senior and seasoned politicians in the past had held the portfolio of railways minister, but all of them badly failed to put the department on right track.
He announced that a shuttle service would be launched on different routes and the number of bogies would also be increased for the convenience and comfort of the passengers. He said that two economy coaches would be added to Thar Express while Bahauddin Zakaryia Express would get an AC Business Compartment and two economy coaches soon.
"We have already given three more coaches to Sukkur Express, and the passengers of Karachi Express will be served dinner and breakfast," he added. The minister further said that parks, hotels and markets would be set up at different railway stations throughout the country to enhance revenue generation.