OKARA: Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique inaugurated the model railway station here on Monday.

The railways is rebuilding 11 stations in the country at present under its plan to improve facilities for passengers. In the first phase (of the project), 11 stations are being rebuilt.

The project has been completed in 20 months at a cost of Rs280 million. The British era old structure of the railway station built in 1928 was dismantled and a new state-of the-art building was raised.

It includes a waiting room for 120 passengers at the ground floor. The building has washrooms, two water filter plants, prayer area beside the offices of railway authorities.

The building has been completed under the supervision of the National Logistic Cell with the cooperation of Nespak.

The minister addressed a public meeting on the occasion and came down hard on political rivals.

Speaking earlier, MNA Riazul Haq Jujj demanded Business Express and Night Coach stops at Okara and cargo facility for upcountry destinations.

He also demanded opening of the western level crossing which was closed some 20 months ago and the public was suffering since then.

Other speakers pleaded for a level crossing opposite the main gate of the University of Okara. Saad, the chief guest, did not respond to the demands by parliamentarians.

When a group of public meeting participants started raising slogans for the finality of the Prophet (PBUH), the minister joined their chorus.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2018