THE image and performance of Pakistan Railways (PR) is once again improving, thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of Minister Hanif Abbasi, who is striving to make it a viable institution as per aspirations of people of Pakistan.
His efforts would surely succeed as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has put his weight behind the plans for modernization of the organization. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the New Shalimar Express and the newly upgraded waiting areas and lounges at Karachi Cantt Railway Station during his visit to Karachi, he said the federal government would work with all provinces to extend the railway network to Central Asia, specifically highlighting the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line project.
It is appreciable that concrete plans have been devised not only to upgrade railway infrastructure and facilities within Pakistan but connect the system with other neighbouring countries that will help facilitate movement of people and goods, accelerating the pace of socio-economic development and regional trade. The plans include efforts to revive Islamabad-Istanbul rail route and negotiations with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $2 billion loan to further upgrade Pakistan Railways besides the vital project of ML-I. Similarly, upgradation and modernization of railway stations and facilities have attracted people to make PR again a preferred source for travel. New tracks are also being laid including 400 kilometers for the Reko Deko project besides plans to add 160 new locally manufactured wagons to the system, and railway facilities will also be extended to the cement and automobile sectors. Hopefully, these and other plans and projects will increase the role of the PR in promoting the national economy and delivering modern travel facilities to people.
