Railways sets June 30 deadline to upgrade major trains, boost passenger facilities

• Railways Minister Abbasi orders overhaul of Awam, Allama Iqbal and Sukkur Express, saying Hazara Express rake to be improved for better passenger comfort

• Directs standardised benches to be installed at railway stations nationwide, with cleanliness services to be outsourced on Lahore, Karachi model

• Punjab CM adviser Ali Dar meets minister to discuss Pakistan Railways development projects

 LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Saturday directed that Awam Express, Allama Iqbal Express and Sukkur Express be upgraded by June 30, while the rake of Hazara Express should also be improved to provide better travel facilities for passengers, according to an official statement.

The minister issued these directives while chairing an important meeting at the headquarters of Pakistan Railways in Lahore to review the provision and improvement of passenger facilities at railway stations and onboard trains across the country, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways said.

During the meeting, the minister was given a detailed briefing on the existing facilities available at railway stations and on trains, along with the measures being planned to further enhance passenger comfort and service standards.

The minister directed that standardised benches be installed at railway stations across the country to ensure uniformity and improved seating arrangements for passengers. He also instructed the authorities concerned to outsource cleanliness arrangements at other railway stations on the pattern of Lahore and Karachi, with the aim of maintaining better hygiene and improved maintenance standards.

Muhammad Hanif Abbasi reiterated that Awam Express, Allama Iqbal Express and Sukkur Express must be upgraded by June 30, while the rake of Hazara Express should be improved to ensure better travel facilities and comfort for passengers, the statement said.

The minister further directed that CCTV cameras be installed in Green Line, Shalimar Express and Pak Business Express by April 15 in order to enhance passenger safety and strengthen monitoring during train operations.

Punjab CM’s adviser meets railways minister

Later, Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister Ali Dar called on Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters in Lahore, the statement said.

During the meeting, the federal minister briefed the adviser on various development projects and ongoing initiatives being undertaken by Pakistan Railways. Matters of mutual interest and cooperation were also discussed on the occasion.