Pakistan Railways has achieved an unprecedented milestone, recording an earning of Rs 66 billion in the initial nine months of the fiscal year 2023-24. This remarkable feat comes amidst financial strains triggered by monsoon floods.
Official sources within the Ministry expressed optimism, anticipating a total revenue projection of Rs 80 billion by the fiscal year’s end. This achievement is attributed to the unwavering dedication and diligence of railway personnel.
Comparatively, during the same period of the previous fiscal year (2022-23), the department had garnered approximately Rs 39 billion. This exponential surge in revenue underscores the department’s robust performance.
The revenue stream of Rs 66 billion comprises contributions from passenger and freight train operations, along with other sectors within the department.
Presently, Pakistan Railways operates 96 passenger trains, a significant increase from the previous year’s count of 86. Furthermore, the average frequency of freight train operations has risen from 3.75 to seven this year.
Addressing concerns regarding salary disbursements, officials assured that the issue has been effectively resolved. They anticipate further streamlining, particularly with the commencement of the Mainline-I (ML-I) project.
Regarding safety measures, Pakistan Railways has intensified efforts to minimize passenger train accidents. Remarkably, only six minor incidents, devoid of casualties, were reported across the national railway network in the past three months.
This notable decline in accidents can be attributed to proactive measures, including the mitigation of trespassing at unmanned level crossings and unauthorized areas. Railway staff remains vigilant, conducting regular track inspections and train evaluations, prioritizing passenger safety above all else.
