ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has told the National Assembly that Pakistan Railways is providing free of cost travelling facilities to Senior Citizens having age of 75 & above.
In a written reply to the Lower House of the Parliament on Wednesday, Sheikh Rashid said that Pakistan Railways has a fleet of total 460 locomotives, out of which 140 are unserviceable due to old age while 320 are serviceable at present.
The minister said that Pakistan Railways increased fares in order to reduce budget deficit which is growing day by day due to increase in salaries & pensions.
Moreover, the import bill of Railway has also increased due to value depreciation of Rupee viz-a-viz dollar, he added. He said that the locomotive maintenance contract charges have also increased due to the same reason.
In reply to another question, Sheikh Rashid said that 20 new trains have been introduced in first 100 days of the government.
Sheikh Rashid said that all these trains are operating above 70 percent capacity which increases to 100 percent on weekends. He said that only one train Mianwali Express (175-UP/176-DN) is operating on less than 70 percent of its capacity.
The minister said that the railway administration keeps an eye on all new trains and expect to reach a final decision on the viability of all new trains in 90 days. He said that all the new trains have been started with old rolling stock and same operating staff.
