Latest news with #FederalRailways
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Railways posts Rs83b revenue
Listen to article Pakistan Railways has announced earning a record-breaking Rs83 billion in revenue during the first eleven months of the current financial year FY25, showing a growth of 7.8% over the corresponding period. According to the Railways spokesperson, this is the highest revenue collected by the organisation in any similar eleven-month period in its history. Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi hailed the achievement as historic, stating that "through hard work and dedication, we will put Railways back on its feet." The revenue breakdown shows passenger trains contributed Rs42 billion, while freight services generated Rs29 billion. Other income sources, including property leases and commercial activities, added Rs12 billion. Regional performance varied significantly, with Karachi Division emerging as the top performer — earning Rs13 billion from passengers and a substantial Rs25 billion from freight. Lahore Division reported Rs10 billion from passengers but less than Rs1 billion from freight. Both Rawalpindi and Multan Divisions earned Rs4 billion each from passengers, totalling Rs8 billion combined. This performance represents a notable improvement over the same period last year, when revenue stood at Rs77 billion. The current figures suggest Pakistan Railways might surpass its full-year target of Rs88 billion with one month remaining. This financial milestone comes against a backdrop of persistent challenges. For years, Pakistan Railways has struggled with aging infrastructure, frequent service disruptions, and safety concerns that have eroded public confidence. Many mainline tracks and bridges date back to the British colonial era, causing speed restrictions and delays. The organisation still operates at a significant operational loss when accounting for full infrastructure maintenance costs, despite this revenue increase. While the Rs83 billion revenue demonstrates progress in financial management and operational efficiency, industry analysts said this represents recovery rather than transformation. Sustained investment in infrastructure modernisation, consistent service quality, and resolution of long-standing debt issues are still needed before Pakistan Railways can be considered fully revitalised. "The revenue achievement offers hope, but the organisation's journey to becoming a truly modern, reliable, and profitable national transport service has just begun," they added.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Four special eid trains to run from 25th ramadan, says railway minister
Listen to article Pakistan Railways will operate four special trains from the 25th of Ramadan to accommodate passengers traveling for Eid, Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi announced on Monday. Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Abbasi assured that improvements in railway services would soon be visible. He added that a briefing had been conducted on the railway department's performance and upcoming plans. The minister acknowledged financial losses in the sector and pledged efforts to reduce the deficit. He also addressed reports of faulty baggage scanning machines at railway stations, stating that a meeting would be held soon to address the issue. Abbasi stressed the need to enhance railway security, admitting current measures were inadequate. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving operations in line with the prime minister's directives. Hanif Abbasi was recently inducted in the federal cabinet as new portfolios were announced. According to the the Cabinet Division notification, Khawaja Asif will continue to serve as the Defence Minister, while Azam Nazir Tarar has been assigned the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Human Rights. Moreover, Pakistan Railways announced revised working hours for reservation offices during Ramazan last week, according to which the morning shift will operate from 7:30am to 12:30pm, while the evening shift will function from 12:30pm to 5:30pm. Additionally, on Fridays, there will be a break for Friday prayers from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. However, reservation offices that operate on a single shift will continue with their existing working new timings will remain in effect until the 15th of Ramazan, after which all reservation offices will revert to their previous schedules.
