LAHORE: In order to facilitate travellers, locomotives’ supply will begin next month, said Pakistan Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique as he addressed media yesterday.
PR is in the process of purchasing 58 locomotives from China to streamline its operation system, replacing the old ones. In the first batch, 23 locomotives would be brought to the country and would be used with the passenger trains in the summer season. The old ones would be sent for repair work and then be used as freight trains, added the minister.
“Extraordinary arrangements would be made and it would be kept in purpose belt sheds and special staff would be deployed for their care and maintenance,” said Rafique.
The supplying company would provide two years of maintenance and other assistance for these locomotives.
The arrival of new locomotives would improve train punctuality, which has been a huge issue in the past, said Rafique. PR needs diesel and electric locomotives, which were next on priority as the present source of fuel is diesel, added the official.
Meanwhile, Rafique admitted that corruption was a big issue that had caused PR issues. “I tried my best to curtail it at all levels, adding honest and dedicated officers to top management posts.”
After overcoming the shortage of locomotives, PR management would focus on the improvement of the signalling system as it was crucial to the train network.
The organisation has made foot patrolling more effective and latest gadgets would be provided to the staff supporting patrolling to ensure miscreants do not cause any damage, Rafique said. PR contacted all state departments and security agencies to improve the security of infrastructure, Rafique said.
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