Railway authorities set aside option of erecting fences along tracks 13 March 2014: The high-ups of the Pakistan Railways, who have been entrusted with the task to prepare an effective security policy, have set aside the option to erect fences on both sides of the railway tracks as it would cost hundreds of millions of rupees that it currently could not afford out of limited annual budget, sources said here on Tuesday. “Now the railway authorities are evaluating three other options to ensure security of passengers, railway stations and railway tracks, including installation of CCTV cameras, enhanced patrolling with more trained security personnel and use of small drones to monitor railway tracks round the clock,” sources said. A senior official confided to this correspondent that the railway authorities are likely to approve new security policy in the coming weeks after which they would send a summary to the federal government for provision of separate funds for this purpose. He said the Pakistan Railways has demanded Rs243 billion from the federal government in upcoming annual fiscal budget for 33 ongoing projects but it would need separate funds to implement its security policy across the country. “We would need Rs 22 billion for purchase and repair of locomotives, Rs 500 million for passenger coaches, Rs360 million for construction of Shahdara-Lala Musa railway track, Rs30 million for Khanewal-Raiwand track and Rs 500 million to rehabilitate the infrastructure damaged during 2010 floods,” he said. When contacted, the Pakistan Railways spokesman said that no time frame has been set for preparation of Railway Security Policy but it is likely to be finalized in the coming weeks. “The Pakistan Railways is facing numerous challenges regarding security of passengers and railway tracks so there is a need to come up with comprehensive security policy to ensure safe journey for passengers,” he said. To a question, he confirmed that the railway authorities have rejected the proposal to erect fence along railway tracks as majority of high officials raised objections over high cost of this project. He said they are in touch with various local firms for purchase of small drones and modalities are being sorted out by the relevant officials.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:12:16 +0000
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