Pakistan Railways plans to increase the number of freight trains to 14 by January to meet growing demand from businesses and increase its income.
The railway administration has also approved the construction of a new dry port in Khanewal.
The move aims to improve cargo services and help the department earn more revenue.
These decisions were made during a meeting at the Railways Headquarters. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi chaired the meeting.
What steps are being taken to improve railway safety?
During the meeting, officials discussed ways to improve train safety and prevent accidents caused by mechanical problems.
The minister directed the authorities to ask the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate train examiners over accidents linked to mechanical failures.
Pakistan Railways will also install five new weighbridges across the country by December 31.
These machines will help check the weight of goods carried by freight trains and prevent overloading.
What other changes has the railway administration approved?
The minister directed officials to hold operational meetings at the divisional level instead of the Railways Headquarters.
This step aims to improve decision making and make railway operations more effective.
The meeting also approved plans to remove DVM and DVS coaches from the railway system.
Officials were further directed to run sleeper factories in two shifts to increase production and meet the department’s needs.
The increase in freight trains and the new dry port in Khanewal are expected to improve cargo transportation and create new sources of income for Pakistan Railways.
Pakistan Railways orders private train operators to provide travel discounts
Pakistan Railways has issued a notification directing private train operators to provide all approved travel discounts to eligible passengers on outsourced trains.
The order covers journalists, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Private operators must also provide travel benefits to railway employees under the relevant rules.
