ISLAMABAD – Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Tuesday informedthe Senate that PC-1 for ML-1 railway track from Peshawar to Karachi hadalready been submitted to the Planning Commission for its approval, whiletendering process for the project would start within 3-4 months.
Responding to various questions during Question Hour, the minister saidaround five years time-frame would be required for the completion of theproject.
Sheikh Rashid said the government had a plan to extend the oldPeshawar-Torkham route to Jalalabad under China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC). The new route would also ensure the direct flow of Afghaninternational transit to Afghanistan, he added.
He said 385 acres of railways land was retrieved from the encroachersbesides taking back Royal Palm.
He said railway track from Nowshera to Dargai had been opened after 22years and timber was being transported through it.
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To another question, the minister said Pakistan Railway had started 24 newtrains and earned additional Rs 4.938 billion. PR also earned Rs 54 billionduring last year, he added.Pakistan Railways had reduced its deficit to Rs.32.769 billion forfinancial year 2018-19 as compared to the deficit of Rs.36.622 billion forfinancial year 2017-18, he said.
The minister said the deficit was decreased by Rs.3.853 billion, butdespite that Pakistan Railways had to spend an additional amount ofRs.3.169 billion on account of increases in high speed fuel prices, pay,pension and depreciation of rupee against dollar.
To a question, he said there were over 3000 unmanned railways crossing onPeshawar to Karachi track and ML-1 would help end such crossings.
