ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: Railways Minister Ghous Bux Khan Maher on Wednesday said that some foreign companies are interested to run short distance train services in the country.

Talking to APP after returning from a three-week visit of England and Sweden, he said many leading companies in those countries had shown interest in investing in development projects of the railways.

He said some new foreign companies would soon start their projects in the sector.

The minister said he sought from the British and Swedish officials their help for the replacement of the old signalling system and installation of double track.

He said the project of doubling the tracks would soon be implemented.

He said a committee had been constituted for upgradation of Karachi circular railways.

He said the second consignment of 68 coaches from China would arrive in December. He said the new designed passenger coaches were required by the railways.

He said Rs8.088 billion, including Rs5.38 billion foreign assistance, would be spent for the development of railways network under the public sector development programme for the fiscal year 2003-04.—APP