Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi chaired a high-level meeting at Pakistan Railways Headquarters in Lahore and set a target of operating 14 freight trains by January, responding to demands from the business community.
The meeting approved a dry port at Khanewal to boost freight revenue and decided to install five more weighbridges nationwide by 31 December to curb overloading. Abbasi directed that train accidents caused by mechanical failures be investigated by the Federal Investigation Agency, with departmental inquiries against relevant train examiners.
Officials were told to hold operational meetings at divisional level rather than headquarters, phase out DVM and DVS coaches, and run sleeper factories on double shifts. The minister voiced concern over delays in spare-parts procurement for locomotives and passenger coaches.
Separately, Abbasi met Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on restoring railway branch lines in the province; assurances were given on the immediate release of rehabilitation funds.