Clarification on Privatisation Rumours
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Railways (PR) has officially refuted rumours about its privatisation, announcing a revenue target of Rs 85 billion for the current financial year, which would be the highest in its history.
A spokesperson for PR dismissed statements falsely attributed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), confirming that the organization has already generated over Rs 70 billion up to May 2023-2024. This achievement comes despite significant infrastructural damage and financial strain from the 2022 monsoon floods.
Revenue and Performance Milestones
The spokesman highlighted that the PR expects to achieve the Rs 85 billion revenue target through the dedicated efforts of its workforce. So far, this fiscal year has seen a 75 percent increase in revenue generation, a historic high compared to the Rs 40 billion earned in 2022-2023.
The spokesperson further detailed that out of the Rs 70 billion generated, substantial contributions came from passenger and freight trains, with other departmental sectors also playing a role. Currently, Pakistan Railways operates around 96 passenger trains, up from 86 the previous year, and has increased its average freight train operations from 3.75 to seven trains this year.
Operational Improvements and Safety Measures
Addressing operational issues, the official noted that delays in employee salary payments have been resolved, and further improvements are expected with the commencement of the Mainline-I (ML-I) project.
To enhance passenger safety, Pakistan Railways has intensified its precautionary measures, resulting in only six minor accidents with no casualties over the last three months. Efforts to reduce accidents include mitigating trespassing at unmanned level crossings and unauthorized locations.
“Our staff is continuously monitoring the railway tracks nationwide and conducting thorough train inspections to ensure passenger safety, which remains our top priority,” the spokesman concluded.
