New economy class train launched

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that railway is engine for the country''s economic growth and prosperity. "Better railway would guarantee economic stability, which would lead to prosperity while prosperity will improve the living standard of people", said the prime minister after inaugurating Pakistan Express, a new economy class train launched for working class here on Saturday.
Addressing the ceremony, Shaukat Aziz said the government is committed to improving socio-economic conditions of the masses through implementing a development programme in all sectors.
The Pakistan Railways is a symbol of national solidarity and integrity that needs special attention of the government. The railway network, spread from Khyber to Karachi, brings people close and create unity and solidarity which is imperative for socio-economic development of country, he added.
The prime minister said like impregnable national defence, the government is also determined to make self-sufficient the railway with an objective to ensure excellent passengers and trade services.
He said the government is also paying special attention to the development of rural areas with the provision of basic amenities, including supply of pure drinking water, electricity, education, roads, and imparting vocational training to the rural masses.
Shaukat Aziz said it was for the first time in country''s history that the assemblies were completing their five-year tenure, which reflects that the democracy is on its way and the system is working well. He appealed to the people to again vote for Pakistan Muslim League and its allied parties in the next general elections with an aim to continue the reforms.
He praised the dedication and determination of workers and officials of Pakistan Railways, saying that by building wagons in its own workshops they have proved that Pakistani nation was ready to face any challenge. These workers have saved foreign exchange as a result of their hard-work and we will take care of them and resolve all their problems, he added.
He assured that the government would provide more resources for making railway more vibrant and all the projects and proposals submitted by the Railway Ministry would be approved.
Earlier, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, in his address of welcome, highlighted development activities of the Pakistan Railways during the last few months.
He said the PR will launch three more non-stop Express trains shortly, including Jinnah Express, Alexander Express and Gandhara Express. One of them Jinnah Express, a luxury train for upper class of society, would be launched on December 25. For the first time, Pakistan Railways has not only achieved revenue target in both passenger and freight sectors but also has crossed the barrier.
The minister said that 100 plots of Pakistan Railways were put on auction. "One plot was auctioned for Rs 3 billion while 50 others to be auctioned soon", he added.
He said that 55 small curves from Sohawa to Dina if straightened would decrease the distance by 38-km and help a normal train reach Lahore within two and half hours. If small bridges were built it would not only save precious lives but also help a train to reach Karachi from Lahore within 10 hours. The Pakistan Express is expected to generate Rs 12.056 million with 70 percent occupancy.
The train would have 792 berths and 282 seats and ply between Rawalpindi and Karachi with six coaches and two brake vans while additional bogies would be added at Faisalabad. The economy class express train having a fare of Rs 600 for berth and Rs 525 for seat would have stoppages at Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Sangla Hills, Faisalabad, Khanewal, Multan, Rohri and Hyderabad. The prime minister saw off the passengers from Rawalpindi Railway Station.