Escalator installed at Lahore railway station. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday underlined the need to rebuild railway infrastructure across the country on sustainable foundations to support economic and industrial growth.
He said that modernising the railway system is a key component of national policy aimed at enhancing regional trade and connectivity.
The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Pakistan Railways steering committee at the PM House.
Addressing the participants, the prime minister directed authorities to upgrade freight facilities, noting that in the current regional context, rail-based cargo transport became essential for saving fuel and ensuring efficient movement of goods.
Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing reforms in Pakistan Railways. It was shared that freight services were expected to grow by 21 percent this year.
The meeting was informed that work on the Karachi-Rohri section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was underway with support from the Asian Development Bank. Engineering design, environmental field surveys, and land acquisition processes were currently in progress.
Participants were further informed that 57 per cent of the Thar rail connectivity project had been completed.
Meanwhile, the upgradation of the RohriNokundi section of Main Line-3 (ML-3) was described as a crucial initiative for transporting minerals from Balochistan. A design consultant had already been hired and the PC-1 was finalised.
The meeting also reviewed progress on digitalization within Pakistan Railways, including the introduction of mobile applications, cashless ticketing, and free Wi-Fi at railway stations.
Additionally, systems such as freight management systems, digital weighing bridges, and rolling stock tracking have improved the quality and transparency of freight services.
Housing loans
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the relevant authorities to take practical steps to ensure effective access to housing finance for people.
He said that providing housing to low-income groups, promoting affordable housing projects, including encouragement of the private sector, and improving public facilities were among the government’s top priorities.
During the meeting, a briefing was given on the strategic roadmap of the Ministry of Housing and Works. It was informed that reforms were being made to the tax structure related to the construction sector.
“Consultations between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the provinces are ongoing regarding tax standardization for the construction industry, and discussions are also underway on draft reforms concerning housing mortgages,” the meeting was told.
The meeting was further informed that a framework was being prepared for the construction of homes for low-income groups under Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
The briefing added that a Real Estate Regulatory Authority will be established to regulate the real estate and housing sectors.
