Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has suffered losses of over Rs100 billion during the incumbent government’s tenure from 2018-19, mainly owing to COVID-19.
According to the details shared before the National Assembly on Friday, the Pakistan Railways has suffered losses of more than Rs119 billion during the incumbent tenure. In 2018-19, the train services suffered losses worth around Rs32.76 billion followed by an increase in losses to Rs50.15 billion, a document shared with the Parliament revealed.
It further highlighted that the first 10 months of the ongoing fiscal year have also witnessed losses of Rs36.28 billion.
The National Assembly was told that the number of trains has been reduced to 84 from 120 during the last two years. “Operations of 36 up and down trains were suspended owing to an increase in the deficit,” the ministry said while blaming COVID-19 for the operational losses of the railways.
The ministry further shared that offers have been extended to run 15 trains privately in order to get avail better business opportunities.
