After two decades partial KCR’s operations revived
Pak Chronicle Report
Karachi
After around two decades partial Karachi Circular Railways’ operations revived in a ceremony on Thursday which was held at City Station.
The Minister for Pakistan Railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed inaugurated the much-awaited KCR.
In his speech to the participants of the inauguration ceremony, the railways minister attributed the entire credit of the revival of the KCR to the government of Pakistan headed by the Prime Minister, Imran Khan.
On this occasion Rasheed stated that the fare of KCR will be Rs30 per route and in the first phase four trains will be operated daily from Pipri to City Station Karachi.
Moreover, he also announced travelling pass for the project which might be collected against payment of Rs750.
He also highlighted that the KCR would be extended to other parts of the city and said that developments in this connection are in process.
Rasheed stated that a total of Rs1.8 billion have been allocated for the KCR, out of which so far Rs17 million have already been spent on the project.
Furthermore he said that Rs0.9 million were spent on each of coach of the KCR. He also assured that encroachment at the railways’ land would be removed.
According to sources the KCR has been revived in bit haste as there are number of components of the project which need to be completed yet.
There are stations which have not been fully developed. Moreover, track from Orangi Station to City Station is yet be completed. According the sources there also issues with regard to availability of light, water and other facilities at some stations.
More importantly construction of Railways Crossings alongside the KCR’s track also need some attention of the authorities concerned.
The KCR was first introduced in the metropolitan city during the regime of former President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan.
The KCR started its operation in 1969 under the management of Pakistan Railways. The aim of the project was to provide better commuting facilities to the citizens on economical rate. The original KCR line had its track from City Station to Drigh Road Station and it carried around six million passenger during its maiden year operations. Later on in 1970 it was extended to Landhi Junction. New track of it was laid to connect it to Karachi Port Trust Halt Station and Wazir Mansion Station. Later on North Nazimabad was also connected with it.
The KCR during its peak period witnessed operations of 104 trains daily which was phenomenal.
However, later on due to mismanagement the KCR started witnessing decline in revenue and in other spheres due to which the KCR operations were suspended in 1999.
ENDS
