The following are the details of the deficit of Pakistan Railways for last five years from 2014-15 to 2018-19;
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed told that the deficit of Pakistan Railways shows a declining trend during the last three years. He told that the deficit was decreased to Rs 32,769 billion despite Pakistan Railways had to spend an additional amount of Rs 3.330 billion on account of increases in high speed fuel prices, pay, pension and depreciation of Pakistani rupee against US dollar.
In addition, he added that, Pakistan Railways has started 24 new trains with the same rolling stock and human resources which resulted in additional revenue of earning Rs 4.938 billion during financial year (2018-2019).
Furthermore, the introduction of Trains Tracking System and EFI locomotives has contributed in reducing the fuel consumption by 2.000 million liters.
There are 13,959 railway bridges in Pakistan
The minister also told that there are 13,959 railway bridges in the Country which include 1,431 in Peshawar Division, 1,468 in Rawalpindi Division, 2,174 in Lahore Division, 2,426 in Multan Division, 2,055 in Sukkur Division, 1,594 in Karachi Division, and 2,811 in Quetta Division.
Sheikh Rasheed told that 11 more railway bridges including 5 in Multan, 4 in Sukkur, and 2 in Lahore will be constructed while 36 bridges have been proposed to be repaired.
In addition, the minister told the Senate that at the moment, a total of 5 steam locomotives are present with Pakistan Railways which are offered to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in a bid to promote tourism. Additionally, the Safari Train Service is available which operates between Attock-Kurd-Rawalpindi & Peshawar, he said.
