ISLAMABAD, June 26: The management of Pakistan Railways has decided commercialization of Railways’ assets throughout the country, official sources said here on Wednesday.

According to the decision, all abandoned buildings and railway stations would be given on lease.

The Railways authorities, in a recent high level meeting, also approved higher pay scales for train operating staff, who are the backbone of train services, such as drivers, co-drivers, guards and station masters.

It has also been decided that 500 personnel will be added to Railways Police strength against vacancies on adjustment basis in view of the additional duties assigned to the police. The inspector-general, Pakistan Railways Police, was further asked to submit a proposal for improvement in working condition in the department indicating the requirement of transportation, telephone wireless sets, anti-riot equipment etc.—APP