Ahmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Railways has signed a deal with two Chinese companies, M/s Easyway, and M/s Norinco International Cooperation, to establish Railways Automated Booking and Travel Assistance (RABTA).
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique described the effort as a win-win situation for the department while speaking to the media at Railways Headquarters. He claimed that M/s Norinco and M/s Easyway Company were working together.
According to Rafique, the project will enable travelers to plan their visit from home. According to him, the app will make it easier for users to handle their reservations, food orders, hotel reservations, and tax-related concerns.
Railways application is not only for passengers
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that this IT-based solution is not only for passengers’ convenience but also for keeping track of railway revenue earned through ticketing. The minister stated that the application would include parcel booking and tracking capabilities, as well as access to the trains’ operation management system.
According to Rafique, the initiative is based on revenue sharing. He referred to RABTA as an important step towards modernizing railway operations. He stated that a train would soon operate on the Sibi-Harnai section, which would benefit the economy of four districts in the area. He stated that a railway sub-office had been established in Gwadar and that no port could function effectively without railways.
He went on to say that efforts were being made to reduce or eliminate the delays in pensions and salaries. Rafique stated that the railway’s furnace would be operational by April. Regarding railway shops, he stated that policy was being developed in this regard, adding that in addition to earning revenue, we must also provide employment opportunities.
Trains were also being evaluated because they needed to be upgraded, he added. Concerning Main Line-1, the minister stated that a 40% cost reduction would make the project viable.
