LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has said the department has started reviving and its sports department was also improving.
Addressing a prize distribution ceremony of Pakistan Railways 61st Annual Athletic Championship here at Railway Stadium, he said that in next financial year Rs 30 million would be given to the railway sports.
The minister said an amount had been increased to Rs 50,000 for those players who win gold medal in national championship, the amount has been increased to Rs 25,000 for players who win silver medal and Rs 15,000 for players who get bronze medal. Railway selected team would travel in AC business class and maximum honorarium has been increased to Rs 15000.
He said the department was continuously making efforts to ensure betterment and soon with the grace of Allah Almighty it would be among best railway systems of the world.
The minister said many issues, including trains departure and arrival timings, trains cleanliness, had been managed. Upgradation of trains was being carried out and in next year six trains would be upgraded and efforts were being made to upgrade all trains with an aim to ensure the best facilities for passengers, he added. He said e-ticketing would soon be implemented and it would become very easy for passengers to get tickets.
Later, talking to the media, he said PR railway Police salaries would soon be increased. Prizes were also distributed among the wining players.
