Saudi bank for replacement of railway signaling system

[Omar1984]

Saudi bank for replacement of railway signaling system
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Islamabad—A ray of hope has emerged for Pakistan Railways after a Saudi Bank has consented to finance the project to replace decades-old signaling system, which plays an important role in the smooth, safe, efficient train operation and above all, protects trains from accidents.

Railways installed centralized traffic control and auto block systems in 1970 and 1993 on main line from Karachi to Kotri but most of the existing systems are very old and obsolete”, an official of Pakistan Railways said.

We have signed an agreement with Consortium comprising M/s Bombardier Transportation, Sweden and China Railways Signal and Communications Corporation,” said the official.

Expressing his views, Minister for Railways, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said, “with the installation of modern signaling system, Pakistan Railways will enter into new era which will enhance the performance of the department in terms of safety and reliability for the passengers.”

He said under the agreement, modern and electronic interlocking system would be installed on 23 stations from Bin Qasim to Mirpur Mathelo, especially, which were damaged in the incidents after the assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

After the agreement regarding tender for design, manufacture, supply installation and commissioning of the signaling systems on Bin Qasim to Mirpur Mathelo, in the second phase international tenders for design, manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of modern signaling systems on Lodharan to Khanewal and Khanewal to Shahdara Bagh section are also under process. However, the official said the contract agreement will be finalized on availability of funds for which Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah has principally agreed to finance the project. The contract agreement will be signed after finalization of loan agreement.

Signal system helps to operate trains safely, enhances transportation efficiency and increases speed and line capacity. Modern systems such as Electronic Interlocking, Auto Block System, Centralized Traffic Control, Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Cab signaling are being excessively used by all the modern and developed railways of the world,” the official said.—APP

 

[TOPGUN]

Good news anything postive for our country is good!

 

[somebozo]

It is a shame that one Pakistani from SWAT I happen to know is a sub-contractor for automation of Saudi Railway signaling system while our own country is lagging behind it. There is a lot of talent in Pakistan and very little utlization.

 

[Tuahaa]

This happens a lot in 3rd world countries- genius is exported.

 

[Hyde]

we not only need to upgrade the signalling system but also the whole railway tracks most of the railway lines were stretched before partition and are highly dangerous/obsolete

There is a long one-way railway track in Pakistan that needs to be provided second track so that the train could run both ways simultaneously

If any of you have travelled in Pakistan Railways may have experienced long awaiting in the middle of a journey so that the other train could pass the track before our train could continue its journey

That was ridiculous and silly...I experienced once in my life

 

[faisaljaffery]

Pakistan Railways is a white elephent and it needs restructuring and invesment on a massive scale to converet this loss making entity into a profitable entiity