ISLAMABAD – Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad says Railways is beingturned into an efficient and modern public service utility.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad this afternoon, he said trackersystem will be installed in trains by 12th of this month, which will enableany citizen to track the timings of trains at their mobile phone devices.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said Thal Express will be started in second week ofthis month. He said work has also been completed on launching of two VVIPtrains named Jinnah and Sir Syed soon. These trains will be non-stop andhave higher ticket prices.

The Minister said he has completed his promise of launching 20 trains in100 days of the government. He said it is first time that a fare of mere1350 rupees has been fixed for three trains plying from Peshawar to Karachi.

The Minister said he will start visit to various train stations of thecountry from tomorrow in order to assess the facilities being provided topassengers, as well as the complaints.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said our target is now to improve the freight serviceof Pakistan Railways and increase its market share.

The Minister said he has been nominated as member of Public AccountsCommittee in place of Riaz Fatyana by the party leadership. He said he,being the senior most parliamentarian, he will play this role actively.