Also set to introduce the ‘Train Driver Assistant System’ (TDAS) to help train drivers a clear view of tracks
Pakistan Railways (PR) has formulated a strategy to transition to solar energy, pinpointing 100 sites with substantial electricity consumption. The switch to solar energy is projected to save the entity at least Rs1 billion annually.
Senior PR officials have outlined various measures aimed at boosting revenue generation and curbing financial losses, including transitioning railway housing colonies, hospitals, offices, and other infrastructure to solar energy, enhancing freight train operations, and refurbishing coaches to attract more commercial clients.
Presently, Railways faces financial losses totaling Rs48 billion, with liabilities standing at Rs24 billion, including significant pension payments. Expenditure on salaries and pensions has surpassed total revenue generation, posing a major challenge.
Despite achieving a record revenue of Rs62.5 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year, PR fell short of covering its expenses by Rs7.42 billion. PR has set a revenue target of Rs80 billion for 2023-24, exceeding the previous year by over Rs10 billion.
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, revenue sources included operations (Rs62.5 billion), land rent (Rs3.2 billion), and scrap sales (over Rs2 billion). However, a significant portion was allocated to pensions (Rs40.607 billion) and salaries (Rs35.7 billion).
PR has engaged NESPAK to conduct a feasibility study on installing solar panels at selected sites. Additionally, efforts are underway to shift electric meters from residential colonies to Distribution Companies (Discos) and Karachi-Electric (KE), resulting in savings of Rs1.3 billion.
To mitigate financial losses, PR has eliminated 1,377 positions, yielding an estimated annual saving of Rs720.5 million in salary expenses. Various measures have been implemented to enhance revenue streams, including reducing manual work, streamlining financial operations, and developing an SAP-based ERP system for transparency.
Short-term land leasing has been introduced to enhance revenue flow, alongside ongoing monitoring and adjustment of passenger train fares and freight rates based on market dynamics.
Passenger facilities at railway stations include waiting rooms, vending stalls, restaurants, wheelchair access, information desks, computer reservation facilities, public address systems, paramedic services, online reservations, passenger insurance, and the revival of help desks.
They said the overall punctuality ratio of trains has improved from 76 to 93 percent in three months owing to close monitoring and stern measures taken by Pakistan Railways at the divisional and ministry levels. “With the punctuality of trains and concrete measures taken by the department in the last three months, the number of passengers has increased by over 20 million, which is ample proof of the department’s achievement,” they added.
“Pakistan Railways is also set to introduce the ‘Train Driver Assistant System’ (TDAS) to help train drivers a clear view of the railway tracks up to an impressive distance of 700 meters.”
“The technology aims to enhance the safety, punctuality and efficiency of train operations during adverse weather conditions, particularly in the presence of dense smog and fog,” they added. “TDAS is set to revolutionize the way trains navigate through foggy landscapes. It promised not only to avert potential accidents but also to facilitate smooth train travel when visibility is severely compromised.”
