Under Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, Pakistan Railways has accumulated losses over Rs100billion.
In the last three years, Pakistan Railways has suffered losses of more than Rs119bn, according to a report shared with the National Assembly of Pakistan.
In 2018-19, the train services suffered losses worth Rs32.76bn followed by an increase in losses to Rs50.15bn in 2020.
In the fiscal year 2020-21, the total loss has been calculated at Rs36.28bn so far.
Furthermore, it was revealed in front of National Assembly that trains have been reduced to 84 from 120 in the last two years.
“Operations of 36 up and down trains were suspended owing to an increase in the deficit,” the ministry said with COVID-19 pandemic to be the main reason for it.
The ministry further shared that offers have been extended to run 15 trains privately to avail better business opportunities.
In March 2021, Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefed on the restructuring of Pakistan Railways which included privatisation of train services, Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), ML-1 and a freight corridor project.
In a bid to bring down the losses, four trains have already been privatised while 15 more are under process.
The premier said that the restructuring of Railways was essential in order to reduce losses suffered by the department. “An improved railways will not only develop better transport facilities for masses but would help in easing traffic load and improving the economic condition,” he said.
