UMERKOT, July 25: The Pakistan Railways is facing deficit because of failure to woo investment and shifting of freight business to the National Logistics Cell (NLC).

Lack of funding made it difficult for the authority to replace and refurbish engines, coaches and bridges which have expired, said Deputy Superintendent of Railways Sindh, Aftab Ahmed Memon.

He told journalists during annual inspection of the Dhoronaro station on Monday. However, stations were found in maintained condition as no improvement could be carried out and the staff didn’t let it deteriorate, he said.

Lack of investment is not letting the Railways to replace coaches, engines and bridges which have completed their age, he said adding that cargo was revenue earner but unfortunately the NLC had been assigned this duty. How the entity can run the entire network only through the sale of passenger tickets, he wondered.

Well-equipped platform and station could not be established at zero point (Khokhropar-Monabao border) due to the paucity of funds but still they managed in installing 12 electric water coolers, 125 electric fans and benches there, he said.

Immigration facilities have been improved at zero point while Shadi Palli, Dhoronaro, Chhor and Pithoro halts are also to be improved.

People complained the absence of water, platform inn, and servant-quarters at the stations. They said the Pakistan railway charges huge amount in tickets for short distances.

However, train staff and railways police promote corruption and encourage people not to buy tickets.

Mr Memon assured to look into the matter.