26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Sept 25: Renovation of the Khokhrapar tracks requires funds of Rs2.5 billion and its feasibility has been sent to the federal government for approval, Minister for Railways Mian Shamim Haider said here on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference at the office of the divisional superintendent, Karachi, the minister said that the PR would require almost two years to restore the tracks in good shape and provide rolling stocks.

However, he said that the record of releasing funds by federal government was not good. He said: "When we talk to the president on funds for improvement, he says that besides the shopping lists, the existing resources should be utilized in a better way for improvement."

He made it clear that the railway had done nothing to add to the existing tracks. The tracks network, he pointed out, existed in the same dimension that had been left by the British rulers.

In reply to a question about Khokhrapar tracks, he said he had assumed the charge of the railway ministry only recently. However, he referred the question to the DS Karachi, Junaid Qureshi, who explained that the feasibility of Khokhrapar tracks renovation was based on broad-gauge because the use of meter-gauge at this section was not possible.

About laying of tracks between Gwadar and upcountry network, the minister said that its feasibility had almost been completed and a technical study was being carried out. He said that the laying of tracks was a necessity and the work on it was in progress.

The minister said that the PR's freight business had badly been affected as its share of 65 per cent had dropped to five per cent. "We are trying to improve it and taking different steps. If we are able to raise it to 10 per cent, it will be a great achievement," he added.

Mr Qureshi said that the railways had earned from oil business which drastically dropped over some years. Besides, the short distance cargo business was also on the decline. "We have realized the facts and now we are giving rebate in fares. This will help boost freight business."

He said that the PR had grabbed the business of shifting Afghan cargo and wheat transportation. "We are also trying to attract private companies to use rail service for transportation of their goods," he added.

Mr Qureshi said that the PR was launching a project to upgrade the tracks between Landhi and Hyderabad.