ISLAMABAD, Aug 12: Pakistan Railways is considering a proposal to get 50 locomotives on rent from India to help normalise its rail operation from Khyber to Karachi.

Pakistan Railways is currently facing acute locomotive crisis as dozens of regular passenger trains on branch lines have been suspended while on main line, trains are delayed for almost 12 hours, stranding passengers on railway platforms and public areas.

Hiring locomotives from India is subject to approval by the government, says Saeed Akhter, General Manager (operations) of Pakistan Railways while talking to Dawn. A comprehensive action plan was approved during a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmad Bilour here on Thursday.

An inquiry was recently made with the Indian Railways, and there was willingness on their part.

Subject to approval of the federal government, Pakistan Railways would consider the Indian offer if it proves to be feasible.

The situation has now improved following visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to New Delhi, and the situation is quite conducive now.

However, Mr Akhtar said that Korean, Chinese and Czech Republic have also shown keenness to rent out locomotives to Pakistan Railways.

“We will advertise and pursuing a transparent procedure whosoever gets the contract, the responsibility of maintenance of locomotives will be on supplier and Pakistan Railways will pay the rent on daily basis. Pakistan Railways will only provide the staff, he said.

The marathon meeting was attended by senior officials handling technical and operational matters of railways.