ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is in a process of handing over its residential colonies to Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and Karachi-Electric for direct billing in order to minimize impact of difference of tariff and line losses on electricity bills.
“It is estimated that a total amount of Rs1,800 million will be saved through this step which would help improve the financial position of the department,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP.
He said that Pakistan Railways was also taking several other measures to improve financial condition of the department including introduction of RAABTA which is an initiative towards enhanced customer facilitation.
The official said that RAABTA platform facilitate customers to plan their trip, check train status, choose seat, purchase seat, order car rental, meals and refreshment and book hotels.
“Pakistan Railways is trying its utmost to improve the punctuality of trains through monitoring every train and reviewing and rectifying every detention of train,” her added.
He said that to facilitate the passengers, a mobile application-Pakrail live has been launched for real time tracking of trains. Due to close monitoring of trains at Divisional, Headquarters and Ministry level, the punctuality of trains has improved from 63 percent to 80 percent.
The official said that Pakistan Railways has resumed Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Cargo Train last year after 09 years which would maximize the economic efficiency through regional connectivity.
“The high capacity/high speed hopper trucks have been inducted in the current fleet for swift movement/unloading of coal and new high capacity/ high speed rolling stock coaches and wagons are being procured,” he said.
He said the online E-Ticketing through Jazz Cash, UBL Omini and credit cards have been introduced to facilitate the passengers at door step and to attract more passengers through outsourcing of non-core activity.
The official said a policy for transfer of technology is being pursued in collaboration with People’s Republic of China for indigenization of Railway Rolling Stock in Pakistan Railways facilities.
