Pakistan Railways has procured a total of 230 modern passenger coaches not only to modernize the department but also to facilitate the passengers.
According to an official of the Ministry of Railways, the first batch of the procured coaches will arrive by the end of this month.
He said the 4000 horsepower, high power locomotives have also been procured to enhance payload for maximizing freight revenue.
He said that the process for installing Radio Frequency Identification System (RFIS) over the railway network had been initiated, which would transform the department into modern lines by effective and efficient monitoring of rolling stock. The process for installing Automatic Train Protection (ATP) in locomotives had been initiated and would be operational after the complete installation of Computer Based Interlocking (CBI) at 31 stations, he added.
According to the source, the central control office at Pakistan Railways Headquarters Office, Lahore, as well as the control offices in all seven operational divisions, was working day and night to monitor train operations and assure and improve punctuality. “These control offices operate around the clock, and the department has taken many initiatives to increase train punctuality and reduce running times,” he explained.
To a query, he replied that degree crossing gates on all the systems had been duly linked telephonically with operational stations to make sure well-timed closing of gates to keep away from detentions and accidents.
The official said the spare rakes and coaches have been stationed at major stations to address the untoward situation and ensure the schedule of trains.
