Railway remains in deficit despite tall claims

ISLAMABAD—Railway Ministry has failed to increase revenue despite plying of twelve new passengers and non-stop trains. The deficit touches the figure of Rs 20 billion.
Sources told "Online" that most of the revenue had been spent for personal advertisement of Federal Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed. In 2006-07, Rs eighty four million has been collected and more than eighty four million passengers traveled. In this way the per passenger revenue has been recorded Rs 124 where in 2005-06 it was Rs 126.
In 2004-05, revenue was Rs 5 billion and in 2006-07 it was Rs 4.9 billion. new computerized system, e-ticketing, post office ticketing, and usage of credit cards could not enhance revenue.
Sources said that after assuming the portfolio of Railway Minister in 2005, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has inaugurated twelve new trains including five non-stop trains. Margallah Express was the first non-stop train whereas Marvi Passenger, Sindh Express, Baraq Express, Sialkot Express, Pakistan Express, Jinnah Express, Sir Syed Express, Nishtar Express, Mianwali Express, Passenger Train, Rawalpindi Express and Bhombore Express have been included later on.
These trains were plying prior to Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed assuming the responsibility of the ministry; only route of train has been changed.
Sources said at least four hundred coaches were brought in for repairs but after overhauling of the trains, Federal Minister for Railway Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed started to inaugurate the trains as non-stop service. No new train has been imported on this account.—Online