20000311

Arrangements to

re-start circular

railway reviewed

KARACHI: The possibilities for bringing improvement in the circular railway service and ensure its operation to meet the requirement of commuters, was studied by Karachi Commissioner Shafiqur Rehman Paracha and Transport Secretary Ghulam Sarwar Khehro.

The two undertook a journey in a local train on Thursday and examined the causes which made the circular railway, an integral part of the Karachi's transportation system, unpopular among the citizens.

It was decided to start shuttle service in various parts of the city.

It was also decided to elicit proposals from factory workers and owners, the residents of colonies around circular railway stations as well as representatives of chamber of commerce and trade and industry associations in connection with the improvement in the circular railway system.

It was assured that local administration would extend all help and cooperation for the removal of encroachments set up along the railways tracks. Once the encroachments are removed, the Railways will ensure that these were not allowed to re-emerge. In this regard the Railways will strengthen its watch and ward system.

In the first phase, it was decided, to take steps for removal of encroachments from Wazir mansion and Karachi University.

The Railway police SSP, who also accompanied the commissioner assured of all cooperation in the encroachment removal operation.

During journey, the commissioner watched the sanitary conditions on both sides of railway tracks as well as the encroachments set up.

He observed as to how much a circular railway takes time from city station to end destination and how many level crossings come in the way.

He took notice of the fact that railway's land worth billions of rupees was being encroached upon and residents of hutments and Kutcha-Pucca houses were exposed to dangers and insecurity because of trains movement.

It was decided that in order to review these issues a meeting will be held next week in the office of the commissioner and decisions taken thereof.

The commissioner stressed the need for managing train timings in accordance with the needs of commuters.

Provincial Transport Minister Dewan Mohammed Yusuf Farooqui, too, was to make this visit through travel in the circular train but he could not make it up because of his heavy engagements. He was represented by transport secretary.

Also present on the occasion were Railways divisional superintendent, Traffic Engineering Bureau Director and other officials.ÑAPP