20000410

Macro plans

in Railways

to exploit

resources

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways would be acting upon a modernisation programme by exploiting all available avenues to generate resources after a macro-level planning.

This was decided on Saturday in a meeting headed by Railways Chairman, Lt-Gen Javed Ashraf. The meeting was attended by Operations GM, Iqbal Samad Khan, services GM Maj-Gen Hamid Hassan Butt (Retd), Additional GM, principal officers, army monitoring, vigilance heads, divisional superintendents and other senior officers from each discipline.

The meeting focused on future course of action for improving customer service, safety and punctuality. The meeting took place after the Railways met with train derailment accidents near Hyderabad last week.

Pakistan Railways is inducting qualified marketing professionals for exploitation its vast potential. Concurrent to mainstream operations, the meeting discussed Railway's related business and associated activity.

The meeting reviewed transparency of all contracts and agreements. It also saw to it that tenders were properly prequalified and practices detrimental to Railways were shunned.

It was pointed out in the meeting that Railways can sell franchise for soft-drinks over the entire system, advertisements, and publicity through trains, Railway Golf Club and commercialise saloons.

It was also decided that Railways would undertake removal of encroachments in a more organised manner to preserve and reclaim Railway lands.

In order to improve present condition of trains, 450 high voltage batteries have been purchased and are being installed whereas 1,000 additional batteries will be purchased soon.

The authorities have been given the target that all trains should have perfect lighting system by the end of June, 2000.

To ensure safety, the inspectorate of federal government and inspector of Railways are being strengthened. The meeting critically appraised long stay of staff and unauthorised renting of quarters.ÑAPP