According to a Ministry official, the Ministry has taken numerous steps for rehabilitation and development of Pakistan Railways during the year 2011-12 however, these are subject to provision of funds from international and national financial institutions.
He said the project of doubling of track from Khanewal to Raiwind was taken in hand at cost of Rs.12617.400 million. Out of which only 90 kilometer from Okara-Raiwind is left which will be completed during current financial year.
The rehabilitation of existing track from Lahore to Rawalpindi-Peshawar is under process with the help of Asian Development Bank and will start during current fiscal year.
The project for realignment of track from Kaluwal to Pindora on Jhelum Rawalpindi section is likely to start in 2011-12.
Similarly, the project of restoration of damaged assets on Mirpur Mathelo to Shahdadpur section and Bin Qasim stations damaged in the aftermath of December 27, 2007 incident has been taken in hand and shall be completed this year.
Computerized on-line reservation system has been introduced on the Pakistan Railways system. So far 42 stations have been computerized; 10 more stations are planned during current fiscal year.
He said the procurement of 530 high capacity freight wagons amounting to $ 36.995 million will be completed in June 2011.
The project of procurement of 150 new diesel locomotives at the cost of Rs. 55,488 millions were approved by ENEC in December 2010. Contract agreement is being executed and expected to mature within three-year.
He said contract agreement for manufacturing and procurement of 75 new diesel locomotive amounting to $ 105.143 million was signed with Fong Fang Company of China. The matter is subjudice in Islamabad High Court.
The official said that procurement and manufacturing of 202 new design passenger coaches amounting to $ 134.452 million will be completed during 2012-13.
Replacement of three break down/rescue cranes and procurement of five sets of relief trains equipment at the cost of Rs. 1674 million was approved by CDWP and included in ENEC next meeting, he added.
The official said that rehabilitation and improvement of track from Quetta to Taftan bears the estimated cost of $ 671 million. The work might be completed in next five years, subject to provision of funds.
He further added that installation of automated arrive/departure board at major railway stations is likely to be completed in this financial year.
The official informed that Pakistan Railways is yet to receive Rs 11.6 billion bailout package approved by the Federal Cabinet, adding that Pakistan Railways needs funds to purchase new locomotives and repair the old-ones besides improving its infrastructure.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011