Both of the trains among all other flaws are also failed to recover at least their fuel cost.

(WebDesk/DunyaNews) - Amid the hue and cry of austerity, corruption, bad governance, people are told that along with other state institutions Pakistan Railways has also been suffering from immense debt and financial crisis.

Despite the fact, Minister of Railways continues to wreak havoc to - as Naya Pakistan government tells ‘running in huge loss’ railways. Minister of Railways despite knowing the thin financial situation of Pakistan Railways has announced to run more trains.

Also Read: Will end railways deficit in one month, claims Sheikh Rashid

Sheikh Rashid in a recent media talk said 10 new trains would be introduced during the first 100 days of the incumbent government. He also said Pakistan Railways would recover all longstanding dues, amounting to millions of rupees, from public and private parties, adding that railways is facing a financial crisis and is in dire need of finances.

Both of the trains running between Rawalpindi and Mianwali and Lahore and Faislabad among all other flaws are also miserably failed to recover at least their fuel cost let alone give any benefit. These trains have become burden over the already running in loss railways.

After taking charge of railways, he within a month has inaugurated two train service, the Mianwali express which runs between Rawalpindi and Mianwali whereas another runs between Lahore-Faislabad.

In all haste and alacrity, same old boogies after given a little touch-up and renovation, were inaugurated as new trains. This new adventure of Naya Pakistan Minister costs Railways a huge loss of money on daily basis also looms a big threat to the safety and security of the passengers.

PM Imran Khan inaugrated Mianwali Express. Photo: File

Also Read: Sheikh Rasheed announces to run three new trains on immediate basis

Senior Journalist Arsalan Rafiq Bhatti in Dunya News Program Headlines told that both of the trains running between Rawalpindi and Mianwali and Lahore and Faislabad among all other flaws are also miserably failed to recover at least their fuel cost let alone give any benefit. These trains have become burden over the already running in loss railways as a very small number of passengers travel through these trains which earn railways not enough money even to pay the salaries of the employee and recover the daily fuel and other expenses of the train.

Mianwali-Rawalpindi train was shut due to the heavy losses and inability to generate the revenue. Instead of taking the approval, insights and opinions of other stake holders and members of the railways board which includes chairman railways, secretary railways and minister railways, Sheikh Rasheed himself has suggested and then approved the proposal of running the trains.

He futher said that before taking the decision of running new trains, the feasibility of the route, expected income and expenses estimation and recovery were compromised. The decision made by the railways minister to run 10 more trains was absolutely a political decision.

Railways have experts who can best determine the feasibility of the route to run a new train service. The railway experts had been assessing the routes of the trains in past to connect different regions with each other and to determine the most practicable train service among shuttle, non-stop or night coach and other types of the train.

Also Read: PM Imran inaugurates Mianwali Railcar, Rawalpindi Express

Mianwali-Rawalpindi train was shut due to the heavy losses and inability to generate the revenue. Instead of taking the approval, insights and opinions of other stake holders and members of the railways board which includes chairman railways, secretary railways and minister railways, Sheikh Rasheed himself has suggested and then approved the proposal of running the trains.

Also Read: Sheikh Rasheed inaugurates Lahore-Faisalabad non-stop train

Recently inaugurated train between Lahore and Faislabad is also running in heavy loss. The train has an accommodation for 700 passengers to travel. Only a 100 to 200 commuters take the train to travel which is not enough to even compensate fuel expenses. The service boasts an air-conditioned parlour and an economy coach with fares that stand at Rs190, Rs400 and Rs500, respectively. Lahore-Faislabad Train in just two of days of its inauguration has established as another big disappointment. Train is running in an absolute odd timing which is not attracting for hundreds of travelers who commute for work purpose on daily basis as it travels from Lahore to Faislabad at eight in morning and from Faislabad to Lahore at 4 in evening. Railway officials are reluctant to comment over the progress and the business of the two new trains ran.

Lahore-Faislabad Train in just two of days of its inauguration has established as another big disappointment. Train is running in an absolute odd timing which is not attracting for hundreds of travelers who commute for work purpose on daily basis.

Despite the recent awful failure of two trains, running more trains are still on the cards for which no feasibility research is being conducted nor is given any comprehensive plan to accelerate any project of running the PM Imran Khan long promised circular railway in Karachi.

It is pertinent to mention that the estimated cost of expansion and reconstruction of ML-1 [Main Line-I that runs from Peshawar to Karachi] track under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been brought down to $6.2 billion from $8.2 billion , a move that could halt many projects relating to upgrading the organisation.

Also Read: Sheikh Rasheed, PM Imran discuss matters related to Railways ministry

The announcement gives credence to reports Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government intends to scrutinise $62 billion infrastructure and power projects, which the previous PMLN government initiated under the CPEC.

Earlier Minister of Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has been given the instructions by Prime Minister Imran Khan to work round the clock to pull the national institution out from deficit and the minister pledged that he will make Pakistan Railways at par with the best rail service in the world.

Former Minister Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq has warned the incumbent government to avoid unplanned and impromptu strategies else billions will be lost while saving few.

Also Read: Railways, Minister Railways and Railway walas: A week in the ministry of Sheikh Rasheed

With recent developments in back gear and reversing progress in ministries, it is imperative to analyse the eagerness and enthusiasm through the pragmatic lens to plan a feasible and profitable plan to run the already ‘running in loss’ railways.

Also Read: Seven bogies of Khushhal Express derail near Attock

By Mehreen Fatima