Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government has decided to convert 177 unmanned railway crossings into manned ones.
- An initial allocation of Rs. 9.7 billion will be used for the project.
- The initiative aims to improve public safety and reduce accidents.
The Punjab government has announced plans to transform 177 unmanned railway level crossings across the province into manned crossings, with an initial investment of Rs. 9.7 billion. This decision was made during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at the Railways Headquarters.
The project is part of a broader initiative to strengthen cooperation between the provincial government and Pakistan Railways, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in April. The MoU aims to improve railway infrastructure, expand public transport services, and enhance coordination between the two entities.
Under this initiative, the Punjab government will be responsible for converting all 177 unmanned crossings into manned ones by deploying staff to operate and monitor them. Officials stated that the project is expected to significantly reduce accidents and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The meeting also discussed plans to introduce diesel multiple unit (DMU) train services on eight local railway routes in Punjab. An MoU for this project is currently being prepared, with survey work already underway. The DMU trains are intended to provide more efficient and reliable public transport options within the province.
In addition to improving safety measures, efforts are also being made to enhance the surroundings of railway properties. As part of an urban beautification initiative, the Punjab government has allocated funds to develop 40 parks along the Shahdara–Raiwind railway corridor. This project is aimed at not only improving the environment but also creating green spaces for local communities.
The decision to convert unmanned crossings into manned ones reflects a commitment by the provincial government to address safety concerns and ensure better public transport services in Punjab. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on both residents and commuters, contributing to overall public safety and infrastructure development.
