May 30, 2006	Tuesday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 2, 1427

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LAHORE, May 29: The executive committee of the Pakistan Railways Board discussed on Monday modalities of reviving Marvi Express between Mirpurkhas and Khokhrapar. Introduction of a new train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, extension of Sialkot Express operation up to Lahore through Narowal and stoppage of two express trains at Shahalam station were among the 14 items discussed by the committee in a meeting at the PR headquarters in Lahore.

Feasibility study for a new railway line to link Dina with New Mirpur in Azad Kashmir also came under discussion at the meeting, presided over by Railways chairman Shakil Durrani.

Matters pertaining to plantation of Sukh Chain along the track and renovation of railway officers rest houses in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore could not be taken up for want of working papers submission by the PR director (technical).

The operation of Marvi Express was suspended in mid-May last year when work started on replacement of 135 kms meter gauge track with broad gauge from Mirpurkhas to Zero Point (border), which is some 8kms from Khokhrapar. Suspension of the operation was causing inconvenience to residents.

Reservation of seats on telephone, further concession in the reduced fares in air-conditioned class for military officers and provision of two condemned coaches to the Garrison Amusement Park at Panu Aqil Cantonment were also discussed.

Other matters taken up by the committee included, rehabilitation of 400 passenger coaches, conversion of 70 first class sleeper wagons into lower air-conditioned coaches, waiver of mark-up and late payment surcharge of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd and change in designations of the freight business unit officers posted at the headquarters.

General Manager (Operations) Saleemur Rahman Akhoond, GM (Manufacturing) Mushtaq Jadoon, GM (Development and Services) Abdul Wahab Awan and other senior officers also attended the meeting.