Islamabad, Pakistan's railways incurred a deficit of Rs 46 billion and losses of 1.19 trillion this year, a published report said on Tuesday.
The Express Tribune quoted the Railway Ministry report as saying that 57 passenger trains were shut down and now only 85 trains are available for the various routes across the country. Meanwhile, the number of freight carriages has been reduced from 16,159 to 14,327.
The report has given a detailed review of accidents, departmental deficit and other adminitrative issues in last three years.
Train accidents, losses amounting to billions, and the recent stoppage of a train by the driver to buy yoghurt for self are one of many examples of the deteriorating condition of the Pakistan Railways.
The Express Tribune quoted Sheikh Mohammad Anwar, Central President of Pakistan Railways CBA Union, as saying that since 1991-92, the District Management Group (DMG), which is now known as the Pakistan Administrative Service, has appointed the Chairman Railways but none of their appointments have managed to improve railways.
“The railway is a multi-technical institution, but when the head of the institution is non-technical, what will be the development of that institution?” he questioned.
He further said in the rail accidents since 1992 several railway officers and employees have been suspended and even sent to jail but no responsibility was imposed on any chairman.
Reacting to the report, Former Federal Minister for Railways and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central leader, Khawaja Saad Rafique, said the report has revealed the current government's role in the deteriorating condition of railways.
“The train is a ride for the poor and middle class, and we strengthened the department with reforms but the present government has ruined whatever ground we made by its incompetence and ineptiude,” he said.