ISLAMABAD: The government has announced to spend Rs77 billion on 45 development Pakistan Railways schemes.
The amount would be spent on doubling of tracks, purchase of new locomotives, wagons, bogeys and up-gradation of signalling system during next fiscal year.
In addition to the revival of the existing system, the Prime Minister has a vision for high tech, modern and viable railways.
Therefore, some entirely new and bold steps are being taken to take Pakistan Railways to new heights. Huge investments are being made under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will bring fast, modern and reliable railways to Pakistan, according to official sources here on Sunday.
The Government has allocated amounts in the next budget for doubling of track from Khanewal to Lalamusa, covering a major portion of the North-South mainline. Remaining tracks will also be doubled in coming years.
Similarly, allocations have been made for rehabilitation of track from Karachi to Khanpur and Khanpur to Lodhran. Allocations have also been made to strengthen and rehabilitate 159 weak railway bridges. These measures will improve the speed and reduce travel time. A sufficient amount has been made in the current budget to add more than 500 engines to the system through procurement and repair. This will address the issue of shortage of engines.
