Pakistan Railways has initiated steps to recover significant outstanding dues from various federal and provincial departments. These dues amount to billions of rupees for using railway land and services.
The Ministry of Railways, facing economic challenges, has urged these departments to clear their debts as quickly as possible, as the state news agency reported.
In addition to financial recovery efforts, Pakistan Railways has been focusing on enhancing safety measures. The department has successfully upgraded 181 out of 550 identified vulnerable un-manned level crossings to manned level crossings across its network. This project, funded by the relevant provincial governments, is part of a broader initiative to improve railway safety.
The official from Pakistan Railways elaborated on the different types of level crossings within their network, distinguishing between manned and unmanned crossings. He emphasized that there are 1,565 unmanned level crossings throughout the railway system. Whether unmanned or manned, the responsibility for upgrading these crossings lies with the respective road-owning authorities.
A joint survey conducted with the Provincial Government in 2013-14 identified accident-prone or vulnerable un-manned level crossings, highlighting the need for their upgrade under the Railway Act of 1890 provisions.
