LAHORE: Pakistan’s Caretaker Railways Minister, Shahid Ashraf Tarar, issued several directives on Friday for improving the performance of the Pakistan Railways.
He issued these directives during a meeting held at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters on Friday.
Among the key directives, Minister Tarar emphasized the gradual transition of the entire railway network to an online fuel management system. This move is intended to reduce fuel expenses and combat fuel theft, a persistent issue in the railway network. Additionally, he stressed the importance of digitally monitoring fuel usage and ensuring efficient fuel supply at storage depots.
The minister also directed to enhance the operational efficiency of Pakistan Railways. Furthermore, he urged measures to improve services in the railway’s healthcare sector and expedite the adoption of solar energy within the railway network.
Minister Tarar commended administrative measures taken against electricity theft and called for the installation of meters for electricity supply companies in all residential units in railway colonies to reduce expenses in the electrical department.
Regarding infrastructure, Tarar was briefed on repair work related to tracks affected by floods and heavy rains. He instructed the Divisional Superintendent of Quetta to ensure the completion of track repairs on the Sibi-Harnai section by September 30.
In a significant development, the meeting decided to modernize Cairns Hospital and open outpatient services to the general public. All hospitals under railway supervision will be upgraded, without involving public-private partnerships, with the Railways taking the initiative to innovate in healthcare facilities.
The Railway Minister at the end, tasked the administration with presenting a business model for revenue collection from railway hospitals by the upcoming Friday, highlighting a proactive approach to financial sustainability within the healthcare sector of the department.
