Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday directed Pakistan Railways (PR) administration to enhance revenue by extending greater facilities to the business community, saying that the growing confidence of traders in the railways must be matched with punctual and efficient services. Chairing a meeting at the PR Headquarters, the minister was given a detailed briefing on the performance of the Railway Traffic and Commercial Department.

He noted that while progress had been made, there was still significant room for improvement in both freight and passenger sectors. He instructed the Chief Executive Officer to personally monitor railway revenue to ensure better financial discipline and results. The minister directed officials to immediately address the shortage of luggage and brake vans and to abolish the practice of using the term “dummy coaches” for wagons.

He emphasized that any deficiency of material in coaches should be met without delay to avoid operational issues. Welcoming the business community’s confidence in the two cargo trains currently in operation, Hanif Abbasi said preparations should be finalized for launching a third cargo train in the near future. He also ordered the preparation of a model plan comprising 50 wagons for the transportation of automobiles to further tap freight potential.

The meeting was informed that operational officers would inspect the quality of refurbished coach rakes to ensure standards, while the Chief Commercial Manager has been tasked with traveling on trains to identify shortcomings firsthand. The minister further directed all Divisional Superintendents to ensure that auctions in their respective divisions are conducted strictly through an open auction system to maintain transparency.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)