Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to convert all unmanned railway level crossings across the province into manned crossings, allocating Rs9.7 billion to upgrade 177 level crossings in a major initiative aimed at improving railway safety and public transportation.
The decision was discussed during a meeting between Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Friday. The two sides held detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation between the Punjab government and Pakistan Railways to provide better travel facilities to the people of the province.
During the meeting, it was decided to prepare an implementation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the operation of Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) on eight railway routes across Punjab. Survey work for the project has already begun, with teams from the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) completing the survey of the Shahdara-Narowal railway section.
Under the proposed MoU, both sides will undertake measures to improve and modernise railway infrastructure across Punjab. The provincial government has also allocated funds for the development of 40 parks along the railway track from Shahdara to Raiwind as part of efforts to improve the railway environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was a visionary leader with a strong commitment to public welfare. He said converting unmanned level crossings into manned crossings would significantly reduce railway accidents, while the introduction of DMUs would make public transport across Punjab faster, safer and more convenient.
Hanif Abbasi also appreciated the Punjab government’s support for Pakistan Railways, expressing confidence that the joint initiatives would contribute to the modernisation of the railway network and improve travel facilities for the public.