THE railway minister’s efforts have yielded results as the railway from July 1 to April 30 earned Rs5.25bn more than in the same period in the previous fiscal year because of better strategy, departmental discipline, hard work and reduction in fares.

At a press conference on Sunday last the minister for railways announced the restoration of two trains and more coaches, which is a step towards invigorating the already-bankrupt Pakistan Railways.

I would like to draw the attention of the railways minister towards the necessity of starting a train service from Rawalpindi to Quetta via Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kashmore and Jacobabad.

Moreover, the service may be extended to Peshawar through a shuttle service from Rawalpindi.

People these days have to travel for hours together to reach their destination by using the train which comes via Sukkur, Rohri, Multan, Khanewal, Lahore, etc.

The new train service will reduce the distance and help people reach their destinations in a short time as compared to other trains which operate through long destinations.

In the absence of such a facility people are forced to use private conveyance which costs them more.

It is not difficult to have such a train service because the tracks already exist. What we lack is a determination of the people at the helm of affairs. The suggested area covers South Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Potohar.

Hameed Khilji

Kandhkot