MIRPURKHAS, May 10: A ceremony marking the start of work on conversion of meter gauge into broad gauge railway track between Mirpurkhas and Khokhropar could not be held on Tuesday as the Federal Minister for Railways, Mian Shamim Hyder, did not reach here. The railways authorities had finalized the arrangements on Monday by fixing the foundation stone to mark the occasion.

Railway officials said that the minister had reached Hyderabad but left for Karachi on health grounds.

However, the General Manager Railways, Abdul Wahab Awan, Divisional Superintendent, Junaid Qureshi, Project Director, Ghulam Rasool Memon and others arrived.

A large number of people and railway officials welcomed them.

They inspected the ongoing work near railway station, Mirpurkhas, and left for Pithoro where a free medical camp was arranged by the railway department.

Later, talking to newsmen, the general manager railways said that rehabilitation work, although difficult, would be completed by the scheduled time of December 31, 2005.

He said that work was going on in full swing on the site and its pace would be accelerated after some time.

The divisional superintendent railways said that the materials including sleepers, were being brought here from upcountry and that for improving the speed of work, 500 temporary employees would be recruited. He said that Mirpurkhas-Hyderabad track was being upgraded and speed limit of the trains would also be enhanced.

He said that Rs600 special allowance per month would be given to labourers working on site. He added that he had been directed to reduce travelling time of two special trains -Mehran and Shah Abdul Latif – between Mirpurkhas and Karachi.

He said that Mirpurkhas railway station would be connected through computer for reservations of tickets throughout the country. He stated that from the Mirpurkhas Railway Station to Jhilori Railway Station both meter gauge and broad gauge (double track) would operate.

To a question he said that latest facilities would be provided to passengers at railway station Mirpurkhas soon.

About provision of Sui gas to the railway colony, he said proposals were being prepared in this regard and in the first phase quarters located close to the gas pipe line would be provided the facility.