ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: The Pakistan Railways will recruit more train drivers with a view to relieve this cadre from long duty hours and to ensure safe travelling facilities. Talking to this news agency, Federal Minister for Railways Mian Shamim Haidar said single cabin would be provided to the drivers and their salaries would also be raised.

In this regard, he said, the Pakistan Railways would also utilize the services of retired drivers and experts to educate the train drivers, adding that training of drivers usually took around one-and-a-half years.

The minister said around 200 drivers had been recruited while similar number would be recruited soon.

About Ghotki train tragedy on July 13, 2004, he said the investigation had revealed that it was the fault of the driver who overlooked the signal due to tiredness.

“The government is endeavouring to repair and upgrade the old railway lines and tracks to provide better travelling facilities to the passengers and ease the traffic flow,” Mr Haidar added.—APP