Non-stop Train 'Pakistan Express' goes into Motion
By Sarah Kamal 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Saturday said the government has taken various steps to improve Railway service for the benefit of common man, as its cheaper, safe and comfortable mode of transportation.

Inaugurating another non-stop train “Pakistan Express” between Rawalpindi and Karachi here at Rawalpindi Railway station, the Prime Minister said railway is the source of promoting solidarity among the people living in different parts of the country as it connected all the provinces.

The Prime Minister appreciating the efforts of Pakistan Railways and dedication of Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said their sincere efforts have resulted to start many new trains.

He also lauded the contribution of workers and staff of Pakistan Railways to repair the engines and couches to start new trains especially for the common man. He said besides improvement in the railway track, doubling the track, bullet train will also be started.

The Prime Minister said the workers of Pakistan Railways are able to achieve success in all the fields adding that Pakistani nation is ready to face all challenges.

He said Pakistan’s defence is very strong and the country is a nuclear power therefore, if any one try to challenge its defence, he will be given strong and effective response.

The Prime Minister said railway is the back bone of the national economy and with the progress and prosperity of Pakistan Railways, the country would make more progress and prosperity.

He assured the Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed that all the projects prepared by the Ministry of Railways would be approved for further improvement of the railway service.

He also assured that salaries and other emoluments of workers of the Pakistan Railways would also be increased.

Referring to his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister said he met with King Abdullah who appreciated Pakistan’s development and progress.

The Prime Minister said PML and its allied parties are proud to carry on development projects.

He said the development schemes completed in the last couple of years by the government was unprecedented.

The economic condition, he said, has been improved and there has been tremendous progress in all sectors of economy. He said continuation in the policies is must to carry on the pace of development.

The Prime Minister said many projects have been started to improve the living standard of the people and to ensure the provision of basic needs of life including electricity, drinking water, roads and education.

He said special projects have been launched to impart technical training to the youth for getting better jobs.

He said efforts are being made that the common people should get the results of economic development.

The Prime Minister said the present assembly will complete its tenure and the next elections will be held on time, which is indication that the democratic system is well placed in the country.

Prime Minister Aziz said transparent and corruption free government has been working for the welfare of masses without any personal benefit.

He said the transparency of the government in Pakistan has been acknowledged at all over the world.

Shaukat Aziz said those elements are against the progress of the people, those who are enemy of the country would be rejected by the people in the next elections.

He said the PML and its allied parties, who are working for the welfare and betterment of the people would win the election.

Minister for Railways

Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed speaking on the occasion congratulated the Prime Minister for performing Umra and visiting Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him).

Sheikh Rashid said the new train “Pakistan Express” inaugurated by Prime Minister today would provide cheap service to the common man as its fare from Rawalpindi to Karachi is just Rs. 600.

The Minister said a new luxury train will be introduced with all latest and modern facilities for those who could afford.

He said another new train will be inaugurated on December-25 so that the people should be provided maximum transport facilities.

Sheikh Rashid said two million commuters on Pakistan Railways has been increased in the last six months and added that he is confident that within one year, there will be five million commuters of Pakistan Railways.

He said the pace of development is directly depend on progress in the railway, therefor spending on railway would improve living standard of people.

The Minister said Pakistan Railways has also started a shuttle train between Peshawar and Rawalpindi and its fare is Rs. 70. He said by joining Peshawar-D.I. Khan and Kohat, the distance could be reduced by 400 km.

Sheikh Rashid said instead of improving the track, about 1000 km track was destroyed in the past.

Appreciating the performance and dedication of Pakistan Railways’ workers, the Minister said, engines and coaches are being repaired and prepared at the carriage factories without any foreign assistance to run new trains.

He said salaries, over-time and other allowances of the employees of Railways should be increased.

The Minister said there are 55 curves from Sohawa to Dena, which are causing delays in Lahore-Rawalpindi train service adding that if these curves would be removed the train could reach to Lahore from Rawalpindi in just two and half hour.

He said he is working on the project to reduce the time for Lahore-Rawalpindi to two and half hours and ten hours for Lahore-Karachi sector.

Bullet Train

For the bullet train, the Minister said, tenders have been received from Spain and Austria.

The Minister said Railways administration has also taken measures to improve food, water, and other facilities for the comfort of the passengers.

Sheikh Rashid said there are 4000 un-maned railway crossing from Lahore to Karachi. He said 300 of them could be immediately closed to avoid accidents while others need manpower to control them to save lives of the people.

He said computer ticketing has been introduced at every station and even Pakistan Railways delivered tickets at home on nominal extra charges.

The Minister said the plots of Pakistan Railways are being auctioned to generate revenue and construct hotels to promote tourism in the country.

Minister of State for Railways Ali Asjad Malhi also spoke on the occasion.●