Pakistan Railways is making commendable and committed efforts to upgrade the railway system. From an improved signal system to the widening of the railway tracks, the present government is not leaving any stone unturned to improve the transportation facility that is being used by millions of people. The railways is focusing to sufficiently increase the speed of trains so that passengers can easily cover long distances in shorter duration. According to some media reports, keeping in view all safety measures according to the international standards, the main railway track from Karachi to Peshawar is also going to be upgraded under the mega project, CPEC. Under the project, all level crossings at the main railway track will be eliminated and underpass and flyovers will be constructed to avert any untoward incidents – in the past couple of years, collisions between an incoming train and a car or a motorcycle rickshaw have occurred quite frequently.
It is an unfortunate truth that in the past many attempts were made to upgrade the Karachi to Peshawar track, but somehow those attempts failed to give desired results. This was mainly because of lack of political will and commitment and non-availability of resources quite heavily required for this purpose. This is hoped that this time the project, which is to be launched, implemented and financed under CPEC, will be completed within the stipulated period. Once the project is completed, passengers will get even better facilities.
Asim Munir
Rawalpindi