The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit has underlined the need for up-gradation of railway system to avoid untoward incidents that are occurring constantly. The LCCI President said on Friday that repeated incidents and loss of precious human lives demand immediate revamping of the outdated systems of Pakistan railways, which is the most important source of passengers and industrial goods movement across the country.
It is estimated that annually over 65 million passengers travel while petroleum products, oil, wheat, coal, fertilisers, cement, sugar and thousands of other items are dispatched through Pakistan railways but despite having utmost importance, railways is far behind as far as latest technologies are concerned, he said. "Undoubtedly, the present regime, particularly the railways minister has given serious consideration towards this important department and situation is far better than the past but still a lot of work is to be done", Abdul Basit said.
He urged the railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique to introduce latest technologies in railways that would not only stop mishaps but would also encourage local and foreign investment. He suggested forming a think tank comprising top notch private sector representatives and parliamentarians to formulate a framework of turning institutions like Pakistan railways into a profitable and efficient public sector entity.
He said that the proposed think tank should be tasked to prepare proposals including a methodology for right sizing of this institution that has grown out of proportions due to various reasons. "Railway authorities should introduce public-private partnership for the improvement of railway infrastructure. Pakistan railways should also introduce state-of-the-art wagons which will not only enhance the profit of the entity but will also reduce the time of goods movement," the LCCI president concluded.