1. Railways and roadways are the two means of transport over the land. Roads can be
built in the hilly areas also whereas railway lines cannot be laid easily. The
railways have advantage over the roadways that they can carry a large number of
passengers and large and heavy loads to long distances. Also journey by train is
more comfortable than by bus.
Urban cities came up with importance of railways and railways stations in
particular. Moreover, unlike other industries which become modern over a period
of time, railways changed technology at a much faster scale. It bought distant
towns closer to mainstream cities and helped big time in commerce.
Pakistan railway was founded in 1947 after the independence. At the time of
independence railway has 8,122 km of tracks. Pakistan had very good railway
infrastructure at that time that was built by Britain. Pakistan railway was running
very successfully and saving lots of money for the economy. Railway had added
some new tracks and also started electric powered railway tracks for some areas.
Pakistan railway was degrading from last decade but after formation of this
government; railway has stopped completely and now few trains can be seen on
tracks. Still railway has more than 80,000 employees. Despite of many bailout
packages; railway was not able to come out of this disastrous situation. No one is
Pakistan is serious to restore this national assets as it can work as a life line for
Pakistan‟s economy.
Pakistan Railway is mainly suffering from following problems:
· No Government Attention
· Shortage of Advanced & efficient locomotives
· Mismanagement
· Single way railway tracks
· Non-availability of latest maintenance techniques
· Corruption
· Lobbies whose interests clashes with prosperity of railway
2. Here we will discuss the benefits of using the trains and especially electric
powered trains over the road transport. A train normally having the engine o f
2,000 to 2,500 HP can pull 750 ton of load. The train is usually carrying the load of
20 trailer and tankers because the trailer and tankers normally seen on road can
carry maximum 37~38 ton of load.
The efficiency of railway engines are around 20~30% based on their model and
make while the efficiency of latest power plant ranges from 45% to 50%. This
shows that if the trains are run on electric power than we can get 15~20% efficient
operation.
Now we will calculate the expense for transportation of 750 tons of freight for
1,000 km by all three sources. For the transportation of this load, 20 trucks or
tankers will be needed that will cover 1.5 km for each liter of diesel. So the total
13,333 liter diesel will be consumed that will cost 1.26 Million rupees. The self
powered engine train that has a 30% efficient engine will cover this journey in
20~25 hours and consumes 30,000 kWh of energy. This type of engine produces a
kWh by consuming 290 gm of fuel that costs 32 rupees. So the total cost of journey
will be 960,000 rupees. Similarly the electric powered train can get this power at
45% efficiency and considering the transmission losses of 2%, net efficiency will
be 43%. Secondly the fuel for generation of this power will be furnace oil instead
of diesel that is also cheaper. The power will be produced by 208 gm of fuel at
15.6 rupees that will complete the journey in 470,000 rupees.
There will a saving of 790,000 rupees as compared to road transport and 490,000
rupees as compared to self powered railway engines for every 1,000 km of
transportation. The same figures will also apply to the passenger trains. They can
also generate same amount of saving.
There are some other benefits of using the electric Powered trains:
· By the reduction of oil consumption, the import bill also reduce
· Traffic on roads will reduce that will reduce the accidents
· Easy and safe transportation of goods
· Earning for the government in shape of profitable railway
· Less fuel combustion will produce less pollution
3. · By the reduction in green houses, Carbon credits can also be claimed
Few problems that will need to be managed for making these trains successful:
· Analyze that how much of present engines can run on electric power
· Need to purchase the new railway engines
· Estimate the need of Power Plants needed to run the railway
· Identify the location where these plants can be installed to manage minimum
transmission losses
· Identify the required capacity of power plant at different locations
· Will government be able to install and operate these plants? Otherwise IPPs can
be called for this operation
· Make arrangement to control the theft of electricity from the electricity lines
· Make arrangement to avoid any electrocution incidents
· Can call private train companies that can use the system and provide both freight
and passenger services
· How to manage the lobbies (tanker mafia) that will never want the railway to
thrive
Following are the some benefits for passengers travelling in train:
· Relaxed Journey (Can work / study / enjoy the scenery)
· Safety
· Security
· Can travel at night
· Low Cost Transportation
4. · Meeting with Friends
There are some other options that can make money for the railway:
· Utilization of Land owned by Railway for lease purposes
· Develop housing colonies on its barren lands
· Building its own hotels & restaurants
· Railway has high level hospital in big cities; medical colleges can be made with
these hospital to earn money
· Growing of plants along railway tracks that can produce Bio-Diesel
The transportation by train is very much used by whole world and it is saving
millions of dollars. Hopefully someday our government will put attention on
restoration of railway.
Steam Buffs
Take a journey through the legendary Khyber Pass or the TharDesert, the last
vestiges of steam on Pakistan Railways.Charter trains operate through Khyber Pass
while normal trains operations continue through the Thar Desert.
For the Khyber Safari, the best time is during winters. Mellow sun shine, breath
taking scenery, the rhythmic chugging of steam locomotive hauling a train up one
of the steepest grades possible on 5'-6'' track, all make journey an unforgettable
experience. The hospitable Pushtoons in their traditional dresses and following
their centuries old customs add to the flavor.
For present day Marco Polos' who don't mind missing 5-star hotel comforts at the
end of the day and enjoy roughing it out, the journey through the Thar Desert will
also be a memorable event.
5.
6. Railway is cheap way of journey to reach remote areas of a country and mostly
used by poor and middle classes . All over the world fast trains are being
developed to facilitate its passengers and commuters.
Unfortunately ,the case is reverse here in Pakistan . Pakistan railway is closing
down trains because it is suffering financial crisis. Pakistan Railway is not the only
department of the country going through financial melt down . Pakistan
International Airlines(PIA) is also suffering financial deficit nut no flights have
been canceled nor planes being put to side.
Federal railway minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour is dumb on this issue and his
silence speaks volumes about his patriot or traitor nature . When it is the issue of
naming of NWFP Ghulam Ahmed Bilour jumped into the scene with slogan of a
new Bangladesh but when it is matter of Pakistan,man is quiet because its not
matter of his province nor his pocket. Millions are going into his pocket every year
and enjoying government facilities.
Same is the attitude of federal government ,the Peoples Party government whose
slogan”Roti,KarpaAurMakan” is shutting down all facilities for the poor of this
7. country one by one. While tens of ministers continue to get millions every month
without any crisis from public tax money and continue to undertake world tours
,middle class people are not allowed to travel in his country according to his
income.
This is the shame for Peoples party government which is on road to crush the poor
to implement its slogan ,Roti ,KapraaurMakan .When there will be no poor in
the country ,obviously no one will shout for Roti,KapraAurMakanany more.
TagsList of Trains
•
AllamaIqbal Express
•
BahaudinZakariya Express
•
Bahawalpur Express
•
Baluchistan Express
•
Bolan Mail
•
Buraq Express
•
Chiltan Express
•
Faisalabad Express
•
Farid Express
•
Jaffer Express
•
Karachi Express
•
Karakoram Express
•
Khush Hal Khan Khatak Express
•
Khyber Mail
•
8. Pakistan Express
•
Rawalpindi Express
•
Samjhauta Express
•
Shalimar Express
•
Sialkot Express
•
SubakKharam
•
SubakRaftar
•
Tezgam
Accidents
•
Ghotki train crash
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In its worst accident in recent years, three passenger trains collided on 13
July 2005,derailing 13 carriages and leaving at least 120 dead. The
Karachi Express ran into the back of the Quetta Express while it was stopped at
a station near Ghotki, and the TezgamExpress traveling in the opposite direction
hit several of the derailed carriages. Accordingto officials, the conductor of the
Karachi Express misread a signal.
•
Super Parcel Express
On 21 August 2005, the upcountry
Super Parcels Express
derailed while crossing theMalir Bridge near Landhi in the Karachi
Division. Eight bogies were substantiallydamaged when an axle
broke due to over loading. The rail traffic was suspended for 24hours.
All down trains were terminated at Landhi and the rakes and the locos
made theturn around from Landhi.
•
Mehrabpur train derailment
9. On 19 December 2007, the train,
Karachi Express
, an express service from Karachi toLahore, derailed near the town of
Mehrabpur in the Sindh province of Pakistan. At around 2:25 a.m.
local time, fourteen of the train's sixteen carriages left the tracks, somewas being
mangled by the crash, others simply sliding down an embankment into
thewater. Sabotage and terrorism were ruled out as the reason for the
crash, with officials believing a faulty track was the cause of the derailment.
Future Developments
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New Lines
In 2006 it was announced that a railway line between Gwadar and Quetta
will be builtand the Bostan-Zhob narrow-gauge railway line will be
converted into broad gauge in2007 at a cost of US$1.25 billion. Plans to
increase train speeds, install more lengths of double track and to convert
the country's railways to standard gauge are also currentlyunder work.
Electrification
I n a d d i t i o n , t h e r e a r e s e v e r a l o n g o i n g e x p a n s i o n p l a n s
i n t o C e n t r a l A s i a a n d electrification of the entire Pakistan
Railways, estimated at a worth of about $2 billionover the next five years
(from 2005 to 2010).
High-SpeedRail
In 2008, Pakistan Railways announced a plan of the construction of a $1
billion high-speed railway line between Punjab and Sindh.
InternationalLines
China
Establishing direct rail connections with China were announced by Pervez
Musharraf in2006.
Turkey
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Iran
In spring 2009, a rail link between Quetta and Zahedan was constructed
and allowedPakistan Railways direct access to Europe and the Middle
East. The gauge changingstation was constructed to the standard gauge at
Zahedan and the Turkish Lake Van trainferry (soon to be bypassed) and the
10. Marmaray Tunnel under the Bosphorus. It is plannedto run container trains and
through passenger trains. Pakistan plans to convert the Quettaline to standard
gauge eventually.
Introduction
Pakistan Railways have run losses since the mid seventies. These
persistent losses haveassumed a chronic stature and continue to erode
organisational assets, efficiency andmorale. A vicious cycle has
resulted wherein organizational problems, includingstructural and
legal status, create the loss and the financial deficit further adds
toinefficiency. Over the last twenty years a numb er of studies
have been conducted toimprove the state of affairs but these have not been
effectively implemented. The Boardhas undergone various transformations
and there has been an increase in centralization.This has added to the
confusion while the decline of Railways continues.The generation of railwaymen
who had seen better days of Pakistan Railways have either retired or will do so
in the near future. For most employees of Pakistan Railways lossesand
deterioration constitute an immutable reality. Faith in change and
improvementhardly exists. Revival of an organization that has resigned to a
deficit and failure poses achallenge for the country‟s political leadership as
well as its management. However,reversal has to be pursued. There has to be
„organizational turnaround‟.This report highlights key factors necessary for
eventual turnaround but does not go intodetails of the entire organizational
structure in its recommendations. However, it focuseson the design and role of the
apex structure. The size of the organization and the chronicnature of decline that
has persisted for thirty years call for the reversal process to beBUSINESS
RESEARCH REPROT4
Strength
Introduction of New TrainsPakistan Railways introduced new long lead
mail & express trains between major terminal of Pakistan Railways
during 2003-2004 and 2004-2005.
Sialkot Express between Rawalpindi – Sialkot
Jaffar Express between Rawalpindi – Quetta
Islamabad Express between Lahore – Rawalpindi
Millat Express between Faisalabad – Karachi
Pakistan Railways connected Kasur, Pakpattan, and Lodhran with
Karachi by FareedE x p r e s s t r a i n . H a v e l i a n c o n n e c t e d wi t h
11. K a r a c h i v i a R a w a l p i n d i , S a r g o d h a , a n d Faisalabad. Kohat
connected with Karachi by Awam Express. Pakistan Railways
hasintroduced non-stop Islamabad Express between Lahore - Rawalpindi and
MillatExpressTrain between Faisalabd - Karachi with Modern Chinese Passenger
Coaches. The journeytime has been reduced to 3hrs & 30 minuets between
Lahore - Rawalpindi and 13hrs 30minutes between Faisalabad Karachi.
What we have done so far. Mafias eliminated inPurchases. Theft and
pilferage brought down to bare minimum. Outhouses of
RailwayBungalows allotted to employees resulting in saving of House
Rent of such employees.Railway Housing Societies dissociated from Railway
thereby reducing the Electricity andGas expenditure. Privatization of
Rawalpindi and Karachi Hospitals.20,000 ghost pensioners eliminated.
Weakness
Pakistan Railway has no Comport at all. People feel very difficulty while they
areusing Pakistan railway service but they get very tied due to uncomfortable seats.
I t c o n s u me mo r e t i me o f t h e i r c u s t o me r s . Th e p e o p l e c a n n o t
r e a c h t h e i r destination on time. So it is the wastage of time.
· . Train is always overloaded with the bundle of people and Customer
feel verydifficult to take their seats. With the rush of people, the
customer‟s dress getsdirty.
There is no proper check of tickets in Trains. Most of the time the 2 persons
claimof their seats because they have same seat numbers.
The staff of Pakistan Railway is In-efficient that‟s they give the tickets
of sameseat to the 2 customers.
12.
13.
14. References:
1.Daily Times website, Tuesday September 16, 2008 2.„National
Transport Policy‟, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and
TransportPakistan (CILT), October 20083.Pakistan Railways Annual
Book 20084.„Central Superior Services Pakistan‟ , Blog by Dr. Farrukh
Malik 5.„Lending for Railways; Pakistan‟, The World Bank website,
20016.„Year Book 2006-2007‟, Ministry of Railways- Government of
Pakistan7.Encyclopedia II – Indian Railways History,
see:http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Indian_Railways_-
_History/id/15014878.
“TowardsanOrganizationalTurnaroundStructuralAnalysisofPakistan Railways”
Study conducted for Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy
Services(PRACS)
Prepared by JavedHasanAlyAbdus Sami KhanSheherbanoBurkiFaizaGhaffar
Khan
9 . Vi e ws f r o m t h e g e n e r a l p u b l i c 10.Economic survey of Pakistan
2008-09BUSINESS RESEARCH REPROT62
HOWTOINCREASETHEEFFICENCYOFPAKISTANRAILWAY
11.The Chronology of Pakistan RailwaysByOwais
Mughalowaism1971@yahoo.com(Last Updated: March 03, 2007)12.Pictures'
page at PRACS web site:http://www.pracsltd.com.pk 13.'History' page Pakistan
Railway web site:http://www/pakrail.com14.A research project in response to the
given subject“overview and analysis of transport sector in Pakistan”By Dr. M.
Awais15. Massive but targeted reforms are required to lift up the level of
performance,credibility and image of the railways
By DrNomanAhmed
16.Swot Analysis and Pest Analysis of Pakistan
Railwayhttp://allnotes.informe.com/forum/management-notes-f5/swot-analysis-
and-pest-analysis-of-pakistan-railway-t7.html#p1617.Pakistan railway form
wikipediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PakistanRailway18."Mismanagement grips
Pakistan Railways". Economic Review.FindArticles.com. 21 Dec,
15. 2009.http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb092/is_n5_v24/ai_n28626234/19.Hun
dred Years of Pakistan Railway by M.B.K. Malik BUSINESS RESEARCH
REPROT63
Situation of Railways
In the past, railway was no doubt a very important mode of travelling in our country. Trains provided
a comfortable journey in reasonable fairs. It was the only accessible transportation for the general
public to travel far of places. Pakistan Railways was thriving and with the passage of time more and
more trains were launched reaching far fledged areas of the country. Even plans were made to launch
modern tube system. Moreover, it was an institution aiding the economy of the country. But
unfortunately the government completely neglected Pakistan Railways bringing it to the present
situation.
At present, Pakistan Railways has reached to a dilapidated condition. The famous trains serving for
years are no more there to take passengers to their destinations and we no more witness hustle
bustle that the railway stations had in the past. This has also affected the living of railway employees
and people associated eg, shopkeepers and vendors selling at the railway stations or in trains.
Different accessories such as lights and fans are removed from inside the bogies and if there are any,
they are not in working condition. Coaching stock parked at the major railway stations are without
break and many other important components and parts. Delayed timings departure and arrival also
continue to irk passengers. Poor condition of railway is not only troublesome for the passengers and
goods but a grave issue for the country’s defense also eg, in case of emergency how the troops and
tanks will move with no efficient rail system.
The government has announced special trains for the occasion of Eid. This is not enough to cater the
needs of people. System must be put in order and should be made reliable as it is the only mode of
transport for the general masses as they cannot afford huge fares of buses and air travelling. It is also
an important factor for the integration of all the four provinces. The government should take prompt
action for the betterment this important institution.
16. PR History
Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of Transportation in the farthest corners of the country
and brings them closer for Business,sight seeing, pilgrimage and education. It has been a great
integrating force and forms the life line of the country by catering to its needs for large scale movement
of people and freight.
The possibility of Karachi as a sea port was first noticed in the mid of 19th century and Sir Henry Edward
Frere who was appointed Commissioner of Sind after its annexation with Bombay in 1847 sought
permission from Lord Dalhousie to begin survey of sea port. He also initiated the survey for Railway line
in 1858 . It was proposed that a railway line from Karachi City to Kotri, steam navigation up the Indus
/Chenab upto Multan and from there an other railway to Lahore and beyond be constructed.
It was on 13th May,1861 that first railway line was opened for public traffic between Karachi City and
Kotri, the distance of 105 miles. The line between Karachi City and Keamari was opened on 16.6.1889.By
1897 the line from Keamari to Kotri was doubled.
The railway line from Peshawar to Karachi closely follows Alexander’s line of march through the Hindu
Kush to the sea. Different sections on existing main line from Peshawar to Lahore and Multan and branch
lines were constructed in the last quarter of 19th century and early years of 20th century.
The 4 sections i.e.Scinde railways, Indian Flotilla company Punjab railway and Delhi railways working in a
single company were later on amalgamated into Scinde, Punjab & Delhi railways company and was
purchased by the Secretary of State for India in 1885 and in January, 1886 it was named North Western
State Railways which was later on renamed as North Western Railways.
At the time of partition, North Western Railway’s 1847 route mile was transferred to India leaving route
miles 5048 to Pakistan. In 1954 The railway line was extended to Mardan and Charsada section and in
1956 Jacababad-Kashmore 2’-6’’ line was converted into broad gauge. KotAdu-Kashmore line was
constructed between 1969 to 1973 providing an alternate route from Karachi to up country.
Problems Faced by Railways
* Railways is suffering huge losses for maintaining un-remunerative lines. Losses on
railway’s operation need to be minimized by closing un-remunerative lines where strategic
and other consideration do not warrant such services and where there is no potential for
improvement and fare rationalization.
* Railways are operating at low rates. A flexible policy for rates and fare requires to be
adopted whereby freight rates could be varied according to the type of commodities as well
as direction.
* The industrial units of railways are running at a loss. The locomotive factory, sleeper
factories and the carriage factory as well as the other large manufacturing units of railways
need to be converted into autonomous corporations and subsequently privatized
* The operational efficiency of the railways is very low. The overall efficiency of the railways
requires to be improved through better managerial and operational techniques. Suitable
measures would need to be taken to enable the railways to operate as a commercial
17. enterprise, by charging fare on commercial lines, opening or closing certain lines and the
rationalization of staff.
* The bulk of railways earnings are drawn from freight services which are not being
accorded the priority they deserve. Good traffic need to be accorded higher priority in the
assigning of locomotive power relative to passenger services, particularly on the branch
lines.
Railways and NLC need to coordinate their operation and also compete in their operations to
economize on the inter – modal movement of goods traffic. The Railway should carry goods
in bulk in the plains, while NLC and private road transport should take over further
distribution from these points in to the hilly regions. This will help the railway to concentrate
its resources of locomotives and wagons on the main line in the plains, after withdrawing
them from the hilly regions. This is in fact the best and most economical rail road mix for
the country.