Pakistan Railways: News & Updates

[Sandeep Das]

Why dosent Pakistan build its own locomotives?
If it can build world class fighter jet JF-17 surely building a train should be easy work

 

[Bilal.]

Why dosent Pakistan build its own locomotives?
If it can build world class fighter jet JF-17 surely building a train should be easy work

Lack of initiative and relatively more corruption in civilian led state institution. There is a factory in Risalpur for this purpose but it has been eaten up by corruption and mismanagement.

Pakistan Locomotive Factory Risalpur | Facebook

 

[Sandeep Das]

Lack of initiative and relatively more corruption in civilian led state institution. There is a factory in Risalpur for this purpose but it has been eaten up by corruption.

Pak dosent need ToT to build a locomotive.

Whats stopping govt. from building a new locomotive factory?
Preferably in Karachi so service parts can be imported easily.

India has dozens of locomotive factories to make normal and high speed trains. Bullet trains we will also import but normal trains we can make enmasse without a hitch. Maybe a study tour from Pakistan to India locomotive factories and a deal for Indian consultancy to set up a factory in Pakistan and supervision for production of the locomotives?

Of course you need money to do anything.

 

[Bilal.]

Pak dosent need ToT to build a locomotive.

Whats stopping govt. from building a new locomotive factory?
Preferably in Karachi so service parts can be imported easily.

India has dozens of locomotive factories to make normal and high speed trains. Bullet trains we will also import but normal trains we can make enmasse without a hitch. Maybe a study tour from Pakistan to India locomotive factories and a deal for Indian consultancy to set up a factory in Pakistan and supervision for production of the locomotives?

Of course you need money to do anything.

Everything in due time. For now there was an accute shortage of locomotive thanks to the last government and it railway ministe(who had a trucking business and hence clear conflict of interest), so an urgent import is necessary. Recently an effort to revive risalpur factory is under way:

Risalpur locomotive factory gets project after seven years | RadioTNN.com

Productivity of Risalpur Locomotive Factory to be enhanced: Rafiq

Locomotives to be built at Risalpur: Saad Rafiq

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Why dosent Pakistan build its own locomotives?
If it can build world class fighter jet JF-17 surely building a train should be easy work

We do we have licence to manufacture our own Locomotives under LIcence form Japan , however our production lines
are slow and lack the parts and purchase of key components

 

[Edevelop]

This thread isn't updated.. I have put some stuff in one post

PR has cut deficit first time in 4 decades: GM

June 12, 2014

MULTAN: General Manager Pakistan Railways, Anjum Pervaiz Wednesday said that the Railways was able to cut its deficit for the first time in last 40 years and earned record Rs 5 billion revenue in the outgoing fiscal year 2013-14 showing 100 per cent improvement in revenue compared to the target.
Briefing the media at Multan cantonment railway station after opening a renovated reservation office, he said last year was difficult for railways, however, prudent policies adopted by the incumbent government and its flawless implementation enabled Railways earn Rs 5 billion while chasing a target of Rs 2.5 billion.
It was for the first time that Railways achieved its revenue target and surpassed by 100 per cent it during last nine years, Anjum Pervaiz said.
He said a sum of Rs 40 billion had been allocated for railways for the fiscal year 2014-15 to bring improvement in Railways system to provide better and convenient travelling facilities to passengers.
He disclosed that 60 new engines would join the Railways fleet by December this year while tenders were being issued to acquire another 75 new engines with major emphasis on coal-powered engines.
He explained that 50 of them would be coal-powered engines of 4500 Horse Power, more powerful than the existing 3000 HP engines of Pakistan Railways.
He expressed the optimism that Pakistan Railways would be out of crisis situation by August 2014 with regard to upgraded facilities.
He added that passengers would be availing better travelling facilities during the upcoming fiscal year 2014-15 by virtue of addition new engines.
He told that a new train would soon operate from Hyderabad to Mirpur Khas and later a Night Train would be operated on Multan-Lahore route.
Anjum Pervaiz said the incumbent government had improved railways in a year only and that is why it would not be privatised.
He added that Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafiq had already issued a statement in this connection.
He said problems of the Railways employees would be solved during the forthcoming fiscal year 2014-15.
He added that arrears would be paid to employees and new quarters would be built to provide them residential accommodation.
A sum of Rs 180 million had been allocated for Railways Multan division for the purpose, he added.
He said Railways would repair its main line-I from Karachi to Peshawar as part of initiatives for Pak-China Economic Corridor and added that work on it was expected to begin in March next year. He said MoUs had been signed for Pak-China Economic Corridor and a sum of Rs 380 billion would be spent with major focus on improving communications infrastructure ie rail and roads.

Computerized signals to be installed on Karachi-Peshawar rail track

22nd July, 2014

Pakistan Railways has embarked upon an ambitious program of installing computerized signaling system on rail track between Karachi and Peshawar to ensure smooth and safe journey.

For this purpose, eight hundred million rupees have been allocated to upgrade old signalling system from Karachi to Peshawar.

On completion of the project, the train will stop automatically in case of red light at any signal which will help reduce accident rates.

Railways to add 100 new locomotives for freight trains

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Railways is planning to add 100 more locomotives for freight trains by the end of current financial year. “We will bring hundred more engines on trace during current financial year which would help increase the frequency of rail traffic,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP.

Capacity of luggage vans had been increased from 10 to 15 tons and initially these new vans were working with Karachi Express, the official added. He said that Pakistan Railways earned more than Rs 6 billion in current fiscal year than the previous year due to proper planning, determination and hard-working.

The official said that administrative discipline, reduction in fare, restoration of freight trains, transparent selling of scrap and revenue collection from other government departments were some of the major actions which had diverted the department towards success.

He said the railways was planning to provide fresh dinner and breakfast to the passengers of Karachi Express train and the price would be in-built in the ticket, adding fresh food would be arranged at Sahiwal, Multan, Haiderabad and Karachi.

APP

Second shipment of 20 rail engines arrive Karachi seaport

August 02, 2014

KARACHI: The second shipment of twenty railway engines for Pakistan Railways has been unloaded at the seaport here, Geo News reported.

Railway officials told that in all 58 railway engines were purchased from China, whose second shipment has now arrived in Pakistan. Officials said that out of the 20 engines 18 have already been unloaded from the ship on the rail track.

Following completion of the legal formalities at the port, Railways department would get the engines cleared and acquire its possession within two/three days.

Railways winning back confidence of passengers

August 04, 2014

ISLAMABAD - After the untiring and appreciable efforts of Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and his team, the Pakistan Railways (PR) had succeeded to a great extent in winning the passengers’ confidence which was evident from the priority passengers gave to railways over other public transport on Eid.
The traditional non-compromising attitude of the transporters and passenger-friendly policies of Pakistan Railways attracted a large number of passengers as after several years a heavy crowd of passengers with families were witnessed at different railway stations including Rawalpindi. Passengers are now preferring to travel by train because of appreciably low fares as compared with private transport. “I am thankful to the Railways administration which had run special trains on Eid,” said Asif Mehmood, a passenger returning to Rawalpindi from his hometown after celebrating Eid. Talking to APP he said Eid trains have especially mitigated the suffering of people, adding, high quality services being provided in the trains had won their hearts.
After many years, he had seen well-cleaned trains and efficient staff at the railway station. A Karachi-bound passenger Mohammed Javed told this scribe that he was highly impressed by the punctuality of the trains which was a major issue for the passengers. After more than 10 years, he said, they were travelling by train as timings have been improved and the fare was also considerably less than private transport. It was pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Railways had run 13 special trains on Eid from Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore and Multan to facilitate passengers besides reducing fares by 50 per cent for two days on Eid ul Fitr for all classes of all trains. Hafiz Abdul Qayyum, Chairman PR Daily Passengers Association, said the PR had improved its quality and timings under the supervision and leadership of PR Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.
He said passengers had stopped using railways but after several improvements, they were returning to the PR and their trust in it had restored.
PR General Manager (Operations) Anjum Pervaiz told APP that it was the result of dedication of staff and workers saying that the continuous efforts of the PR minister had played a vital role in achieving the targets. He said the minister’s motivation had made the administration and workers more confident.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways was also working on a project to ensure provision of clean drinking water facility to its employees and passengers, said Divisional Superintendent Rawalpindi Syed Munawar Khan.
“Under the project, the facility will be made available in next eight months to all PR employees and passengers across the Rawalpindi Division,” he said.

Pakistan Railways earns Rs 23.98bn in FY 2013-14

Aug 15, 2014

ISLAMABAD: From July 2013 to June 2014 Pakistan Railways managed to earn Rs 23.981 billion as against Rs 18.069 billion when compared with the same period of corresponding year. Thus registered and increase of Rs 5.912 billion.
Official documents available with Daily Times revealed that the major portion of earning came from Passenger, where the PR earned Rs 15.401 billion while last year it was Rs 13.183 billion showing a net increase of Rs 2.218 billion. From other coaching, the government earned Rs 1.061 billion while Rs 0.954 billion in the previous year showing total increase of Rs 0.107 billion. From Goods transport, the PR earned Rs 3.508 billion by end of June 2014 while last year it was Rs 1.954 billion showing a net increase of Rs 1.550 billion. From Military Traffic, Pakistan Railways earned Rs 0.518 billion while last year the earning was Rs 0.410 billion showing net earning Rs 0.108 billion. The document further revealed that Pakistan Railways earned Rs 3.493 billion from Sundry while last year it was Rs 1.564 billion showing a net increase of earning Rs 1.929 billion.
The document further revealed that government has taken several measures, which helped to increase PR earning like reduction in fares resulted into attracting extra passengers towards rail that consequently increased the passenger earning as well as other coaching.
Availability of locomotives in freight pool has been enhanced from eight locomotives to 25 locomotives on daily basis that generated activity and made it possible to start three to five freight trains ex, Karachi port daily for up country.
Punctuality of Passenger trains has been improved from 10% to 55% and HSD oil reserve was limited for two days, which has been enhanced to 12 days to streamline the operation of trains.
Punjab government cleared outstanding of more than Rs 800 million and the government has retrieved 211.046 acres of land from the encroachers worth Rs 723.781 million.
A scrap policy to override corruption in the sale of scrap has since been introduced. Scrap will be sold out through open advertised competitive bidding supervised by a committee of Principal Officers to ensure transparency.
Through consistent efforts of Railway Administration and involving Railway and Civil Police, travelling without tickets has been controlled to a large extent.
Theft of electricity in Railway Offices and houses has been controlled by raiding at odd and peak hours. Rs 17 million have been recovered during last six months whereas four FIRs have been lodged against main culprits. Local purchase system is being improved by issuing Procedure Orders to follow the instructions of PPRA (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) and Stores Codes.
To eliminate the ghost pensioners, automation system for pensioners has been introduced as a pilot project in Lahore and will be expanded to the entire system. Transfer and posting of choice which was a source of corruption by making transfer and posting purely on merit, efficiency and void of any political influence. Allotment of houses another source of corruption and mismanagement has been streamlined and now houses are allotted strictly in accordance with priority list.
Procurements in railways including PSDP portfolio used to be contractor driven and its priority was determined by the contractors. Now the PSDP projects are executed according to the priority of Pakistan Railways in the best national interest.

Pakistan Railways has come out of crisis: GM

September 1, 2014

LAHORE: The financial position of Pakistan Railways has improved tremendously after passenger and freight sectors attracted commuters and traders respectively after several measures taken by the PR administration.
These views were expressed by newly appointed Pakistan Railways General Manager (Operation), Muhammad Javed Anwar while talking to APP in an interview after assuming office as GM Operation here on Sunday at Lahore Railway Headquarters.
Citing some examples like reduction in fares up to the level of buses, availability of locomotives in the freight sector which made it possible to ply up to 16 cargo trains in a single day, punctuality of passenger trains has been improved from 10pc to 55pc, fuel availability enhanced up to 15 days from zero level to streamline operation of trains and last but not the least several hundred acres of railway land has been retrieved so far, he said and added the PR administration had made an all-out effort to revive the department.
Javed Anwar said that due to strenuous efforts of Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, PR managed to attract passengers who had left railways and were using road facilities for their travel because of many reasons including easy availability of buses and vans.
He claimed that in his tenure as GM, PR passengers would witness more facilities in near future.
Javed Anwar said that as massive revenue could be generated through cargo trains instead of passengers trains, the department had decided to restore freight trains to the extent of two trains daily from Karachi port to up-country, with hopes of increasing it to 8-10 trains by the end of the current financial year. The step will not only improve the financial position of the entity but also become a source of prosperity for its employees, he said and added that only transport of oil through cargo trains would fetch Rs 4.4 billion annually while around Rs 5 billion revenue could be earned through dispatching export/import containers through freight trains.
He said they had chalked out a plan to promote cargo service rapidly.
For this, we need locomotives. In this regard, a project for rehabilitation of 27 locomotives is also in progress and it is expected that two locomotives a month will be rehabilitated and inducted into freight operations, he added.
Javed Anwar said that though Pakistan Railways had valuable assets worth billion of rupees in the shape of land but unfortunately it was illegally occupied. He, however, claimed that for the last few years, his department had started a campaign against illegal occupants and retrieved around 27,04,750 acres land so far.
He said the department was facing challenges as most railway land had not been transferred to the department and it was still in the provinces names. If the lawful hurdles are removed, Pakistan Railways can earn significant revenue by building shops, markets and plazas on the retrieved land, he added.
To a query, the newly appointed GM Operation said that he did not believe in downsizing. He said he believed in enhancing workload so that all surplus employees could be engaged.
Answering a query, the GM Operations said Lahore-Karachi double track had been completed and would be inaugurated very soon. He said that with the inauguration, speeds of trains would be improved and passengers would reach their destinations on time, he added.
Javed Anwar claimed that he was going to introduce not only a passenger insurance plan like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) but also a plan to provide life insurance to PR employees.

Pakistan Railway Projects assigned to NESPAK

Doubling of Railway Track Khanewal

256 Kilometers Dualization of Railway Track will stretch from Khanewal to Raiwind which is second phase of Dualization of Railway Track awarded to Frontier Works Organization. Frontier Works Organization completed first phase from Lodhran to Khanewal within the given time frame The Dualization of Railway Track will facilitate shifting of people and goods from Khanewal to Raiwind and will also reduce the traffic load.

Real Estate Development Program

Pakistan Railways slashes fares by 33% on Eid

01 October, 2014


LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) has reduced the fares by 33 percent to facilitate passengers during Eidul Azha holidays.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said that rail fares had been slashed to provide economical travelling facilities to people who travel to their native cities for celebrating Eid with their families and relatives.

PR officials confirmed that concessionary fares would be applicable for all classes in all trains. The masses have lauded the decision.

100,000 passengers to benefit from Eid trains: Saad

LAHORE: Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Saturday said some 100,000 passengers would benefit from 14 special trains being run by the Pakistan Railways on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

Addressing a press conference here at the Railways Headquarters, he said despite reduction in fares for Eid trains, the department would earn some additional income.

He appealed to the passengers not to travel without tickets.

He also asked the people not to travel on roofs.

Saad said locomotives of 4,000-plus horsepower would be procured after thorough evaluation of the technology and manufacturers.

These locomotives would play a vital role in strengthening the freight operation, he said.

The procurement of Hopper trucks had also been started, he added.

The minister said the manual signaling system of Lodhara to Kotri section was being switched over to auto-signaling system.

He said the IT department was being revamped and soon a smart IT system would start working.

Contract for installation of E-ticketing system had been awarded, which would be completed in ten months, he added.

The minister said that an insurance policy agreement of train staff and passengers would also be signed in near future.

He said the Pakistan People’s Party had contacted the Pakistan Railways for its service in connection with their public meeting on October 18. The department earned revenue by providing its services, he added.

Pakistan Railways to restore Musa Pak, Mehran Express trains

October 9, 2014

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways on Thursday decided to restore two trains: Musa Pak Express and Mehran Express, Radio Pakistan reported.

The restoration was decided during a high level meeting chaired by Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.

During the meeting, a revised timetable was also endorsed that will be implemented from October 15.

The new timetable states that new stops for several trains have been approved to facilitate passengers.

Musa Pak Express will run between Lahore and Multan. Mehran Express will run between Khairpur and Karachi.

On track: Pakistan Railways to acquire new locomotives

October 11, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways (PR) will procure locomotives of 4000-plus horsepower after a thorough evaluation of technology and manufacturers. These locomotives will play a vital role in strengthening freight operation, according to a PR official,.

The procurement of Hopper Trucks had also been started. The official said the manual-signalling system of Lodhara to Kotri Section was being switched over to the auto-signalling system.

He said the IT Department was being revamped and an IT system will be implemented. He added that a contract for installation of an e-ticketing system has been awarded which will be completed in 10 months.

The official further said that an insurance policy agreement of staff and passengers would also be signed in the near future. To a question, he said the financial position of PR had improved after passenger and freight sectors attracted commuters and traders respectively after several measures taken by the administration.

To another question, he said a project for the rehabilitation of 27 locomotives was also in progress locally. It was expected that two locomotives a month would be rehabilitated and inducted into freight operations.

He said around 100,000 passengers benefitted from 14 special trains run by PR on Eidul Azha. He added that the PR administration had retrieved 3,000 acres of land from encroachers in two phases.

Published in The Express Tribune,

 

[Edevelop]

Lofty rail project gets underway

ISLAMABAD: Some Senators were surprised to learn on Monday that the federal government has already floated a company, awarded a contract and provided Rs2 billion in seed money for what had seemed so far “a lofty idea” - its plan to link Islamabad, Murree and Muzaffarabad by train.

Members of the Senate Standing Committee on Railways were informed in a briefing that a company ‘Kashmir Railway’ has been formed, an Austrian company contracted for Rs57 million to prepare the feasibility report of the approximately 110-kilometre long rail project, and Rs2 billion allocated to start the work. Senator Mir Mohammad Ali Rind of the Balochistan National Party-Awami chaired the meeting.

Senator Taj Haider of the PPP was perplexed how a company could be formed for the government project without legislation.

“We even do not know whether the company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. How come the company has been released Rs2 billion,” he said, adding, “Unfortunately some people have very low regard for law.”

Senator Haider found it ironical that track was being laid for a new railway line when old tracks, especially in Sindh, were not operational.

Representative of Pakistan Railways Ashfaque Ahmed briefing the Senate committee said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved the project in May 2014. He made it clear that the Pakistan Railways had nothing to do with the ‘Kashmir Railway’ company, which is run by a six-member board – four of them being government officials and two private persons.

One month after the prime minister’s approval, the project started rolling, with 12 firms applying for preparing its feasibility report. On July 21 the contract was awarded to the ILF Beratende (Austria) and ILF (Pakistan), the lowest bidder. “They are required to complete the report within six months,” the official said.

Some senators surprised at the quiet roll out

The government has asked the consultant to prepare at least three possible options for linking Islamabad, Murree and Muzaffarabad by train.

A brainchild of the prime minister, the mountainous railway project involves building some 50 bridges and the government expects about five million people will be using the service annually.

According to the Request for Proposal for Feasibility Study offer, the distance from Islamabad to Murree is about 60km and from Murree to Muzaffarabad 47km. Pakistan Railways network exists up to Margalla railway station of Islamabad, which is about seven kilometers from Noorpur station located on Rawalpindi–Peshawar Section.

The consultant has to study connecting Islamabad with Murree via the Margalla station, going through H-9 sector, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Convention Centre and Bhara Kahu.

Another option is that the rail link begins at Rawat and after passing along the Islamabad Highway connects with the Kashmir Highway.

The consultant is also to study the track running along the old Kashmir road up to Murree passing through Chattar Park, Salgran, Tret, Ghora Gali, Kuldana and Jheeka Gali or along Islamabad-Murree Expressway passing through Phulgaran, etc.

In case the consultant feels the suggested routes are not feasible, it can provide any other options.

All that the consultant has to assure is that the proposed alignment has suitable linkages with the new metro bus project being implemented by the government of Punjab in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The main terminal for Islamabad shall be at Aabpara.

“For Murree-Muzaffarabad link, the alignment will be along River Jhelum and two other routes will also be considered, one running via Bhurban.

Encroachments on Railway Land

Additional Manager Traffic Mehmoodul Hassan of the Pakistan Railways separately informed the senate standing committee that 700 cases have been registered against encroachment of Railway land.

“The Railway owns 167,690 acres of land all over the country. Of it, 5,662 acres had been encroached upon in 2012 – 3,422 acres by private persons, 1,999 acres by defense institutions and 441 acres by other government departments,” he said.

However, 3,050 acres of the encroached land had been reclaimed after the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the situation in 2012, the official added.

Published in Dawn, October 14th , 2014


Legislators recommend handling all cargo through PR

ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Monday suggested the government for transportation of all goods through Pakistan Railway (PR)’s cargo, which not only would increase PR revenue but also save the road networks from destruction. MQM Senator Nasreen Jalil forwarded this suggestion with a view it would help the government to run PR as profitable organisation. She informed the Committee federal government has nominated two member parliament from all four provinces as advisers for PR but regretted not a single meeting of them was called up till now.

About encroachment on PR land, additional General Manager Traffic Mehmoodul Hasan informed the Committee 700 cases have been registered and about 700 people were arrested in this regard.
He said PR’s has 167,690 acres total land across the country in which Punjab has 90,326 acres, Sindh 39,428 acres, Balochistan 28,228 acres and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 9,708 acres land.

Till 2012 he said 5,662 acres of PR’s land was encroached in which the government has recovered 3,050 acres land from encroachers and assured the Committee the remaining would be recovered soon.
He said general public encroached 3,422 acres, government institutions 441 acres and defence institutions 1,799 acres of PR’s land.

The Committee was informed fire in PR’s coaches was on rise especially in last few months. During last six months, 18 PR’s coaches caught fire, on which enquiry of 10 cases have been completed while eight were still left. Only in Sukkar eight cases PR’s coaches fire were reported while rest all held in six divisions. There are several reasons for putting PR’s coaches on fire and terrorism is one of them. Appropriate measures have been taken to control such types of incidents. Patrolling has been increased, removal of coaches from PR stations are some measures, which the government has already taken. IG PR Muneer Ahmad Chishti informed the Committee foreign hands might be involved in putting PR coaches on fire. The Committee expressed serious reservation over the facilities provided in PR’s schools/hospitals in Karachi and Lahore and recommended the government to increase its budget.

The Committee with Senator Mir Mohammad Rind in chair was also briefed about the Islamabad-Murree and Muzaffarabad railway track. The Committee was told this scheme was initiated three months ago and was given to a new company with PM approval on May 2014. The government has provided Rs 60 million for feasibility report of this project, which would provide report in six months. Twelve companies took part in bidding process and it has also a Board of Director. The government has provided Rs 2 billion as seed money for this project.Total length of the track is 110 kilometers and on July 21, 2014 a company has already awarded for feasibility report. All technical studies for this project are carried out.

Senator Taj Haider told the Committee instead of diesel engines, efforts should be made to run electric trains, which would bring improvement in the system.Secretary PR informed the Committee cargo services of PR was totally zero but now it improved tremendously and during last year, PR cargo handling Rs 24 billion goods. Government has plans to establish a big scheme of dry port construction at Havilian and Jacobabad and Gwadar, which will improve PR efficiency. The Committee also demanded Pak-China Railway Track map in next meeting

October 14, 2014 by Dailytimes

 

[Edevelop]

Licences for catering services in trains may be finalised today

LAHORE: After around seven months, Pakistan Railways authorities are likely to complete on Wednesday (today) the process for licencing catering services in eight express trains running on Karachi-Lahore-Rawalpindi routes besides a restaurant at the Lahore station.

Tenders had been invited in March for dining cars and kitchen portions to be attached with Khyber Mail, Allama Iqbal Express, Awam Express running between Lahore and Karachi Cantt, Pakistan Express between Rawalpindi and Karachi Cantt besides four sets of railcars running between Lahore and Rawalpindi in addition to a restaurant at platform No 2 of Lahore station.

Technical and financial proposals had been separately submitted by 10 parties on April 15, the last date for submission of bids.

Scrutiny of technical proposals submitted by M/s Abdul Shakoor, Shakeel and Co, National Catering Co, Mehdi and Sons, Muhammad Yaqoob, Sindh Catering Service, First National Pakistan, Sadiq Caterers, Abdul Ghafoor and Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy Services, a subsidiary of the PR, had been completed.

The financial proposals were not opened though and the parties were informed through a letter that bids would be opened on July 7.

After nearly two months, PR authorities informed the parties through another letter that “the date for opening of financial bids fixed on 07.07.2014 has been cancelled. The advertisement for fresh bids for dining cars has been given in newspapers for which 15.10.2014 is fixed. You are directed to get back your previous financial bid documents… ”

An advertisement in national dailies read: “… all technical proposals would be opened on Oct 15, 2014, at 11:30am in the presence of the bidders or their representatives” and that “only the financial proposals of parties fulfilling the technical criterion would be opened. The bidders would be informed in advance about the date and time of opening of financial proposals”.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2014

 

[Edevelop]

Plans to build shopping malls on railways land approved

ISLAMABAD: The ministry of railways has decided to generate extra income by building malls, shops and stalls throughout the country on land in possession of the Pakistan Railways.

A decision in this regard was taken in a meeting recently held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq.

Pilot projects in this regard would initially begin in major cities with plans to further these to all cities. Mechanism to fix monthly rents and other modalities also came under discussion.

The meeting also reviewed a policy for leasing out railways land to schools, hospitals, government offices, parks, greenbelts, roads, tube-wells and offices of social welfare organisations.

The general managers of Operations and Planning, and other officials attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2014

 

[SBD-3]

 

[ghazi52]

Peshawar Railway Station

Photo by Saeed Javed

Golra Sharif Station

 

[WishLivePak]

any updates??

Is it still losing money or break even?

 

[ziaulislam]

PR decides to increase its revenue target: Saad

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways (PR) Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Saturday that the department had decided to increase its revenue target from Rs 28 billion to above Rs 31 billion for the fiscal year 2014-15.

Speaking at a press conference at the Railways Headquarters, he said the department was allowed to make expenses upto Rs 65 billion but it would keep it expenses by Rs 62.5 billion.

Three years were required for revival of the Pakistan Railways while at least 10 years were required to bring it upto any modern railway system in the region, he added.

He said employees of the department were facing challenges in the department and they would continue their struggle till achieving the desired results.

The minister said the department had paid outstanding dues of over Rs 1 billion to its employees and wanted to clear the backlog.

He said a survey of all passenger trains was being carried out for bringing about an improvement in its composition after which the department could earn an income of Rs 800 million to Rs 1 billion.

The minister said the department had also planned to use its land for increasing its income.

The efficient operation of cargo express would not only benefit the railways but also provide employment opportunities to a large number of people, he added. He said an agreement would be signed between PR and National Logistic Cell (NLC) under which 10 locomotives would be added in railways fleet, adding that 70 locomotives would be dedicated to freight till June 30, 2015.

Earlier, Khawaja Saad Raique in a meeting with young railway officers asked them to discharge their duties with honesty, commitment and dedication. The minister said the railways interest should be on priority and change came through practice not through slogans.

He said the department needed innovative ideas and:" We have to develop a working culture in the department for its progress and prosperity."

 

[ziaulislam]

any updates??

Is it still losing money or break even?

still losing 30 billion (60-30=30)

 

[ghazi52]

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Islamabad Express

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