Pakistan Railways has made several new announcements aimed at improving the comfort and safety of its passengers. CEO Amer Ali Baloch revealed these plans during a public complaint session held on social media on Wednesday.
One of the major decisions is to install escalators at major railway stations across the country. This initiative is particularly focused on assisting elderly and disabled passengers, making their travel experience more comfortable and convenient.
In addition to the escalators, Baloch announced plans to install CCTV cameras in trains. However, he stressed that a robust mechanism must be established to ensure these security cameras are protected from damage. This step aims to enhance the security of passengers and monitor activities within the trains more effectively.
Baloch also addressed the issue of smoking in trains. He stated that legal action would be taken against passengers who smoke, emphasizing the importance of protecting non-smokers and ensuring a healthier environment for everyone on board. He highlighted the recent reduction in fares as a significant relief for passengers and warned that those caught overcharging would face strict consequences.
To further enhance passenger comfort, Baloch instructed officials to ensure the availability of shaded areas and clean drinking water at all railway stations. This move is expected to make waiting times at stations more bearable, especially during the hot summer months.
During the session, Baloch responded to various public complaints. He acknowledged the persistent issue of beggars and hawkers in passenger trains and promised strict action against any officials found to be negligent in addressing this problem. He assured the public that steps would be taken to remove these nuisances and improve the overall travel experience.
Regarding a complaint about limited parking space at Rahim Yar Khan Station, Baloch directed the divisional superintendent to implement measures to better accommodate passengers and visitors. This includes creating more parking spaces to ease congestion and make it easier for people to access the station.
