The Railway Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, on Monday announced 10 to 15 percent reduction in the fares of freight trains.
Addressing a press conference here, the federal minister said that Pakistan Railway has formulated a 100-day plan, as per which new cargo trains will run between Peshawar and Karachi.
“We are planning to run cargo train having a capacity of transporting 12,500 tonnes of cargo,” he said, hoping that branding initiative would help earn handsome amount of revenue.
Khawaja Saad Rafique further said that Karakoram Express and Karachi Express will be upgraded by June 30 this year. “These trains would be upgraded on Green Line pattern,” he said, adding that upgradation would provide good travelling options to passengers.
He said that land of railways would be utilised for commercial purposes, as rules had been framed and sent to the cabinet and soon approval would be obtained.
Preparation for introducing solar system at stations, terminals, buildings, DS offices, headquarters was underway to reduce electricity expenses and soon the project would be announced.
Railways had decided to reduce freight fares by 10-15 per cent, he added. He said that Hirok bridge would be completed by coming April 15. The minister said that efforts were being made to make Sibi-Harnai section operational before the end of this fiscal year.
