Outdated system affecting train drivers

KARACHI - The dilapidated, depreciated and outdated system of Pakistan Railways is not only affecting the passengers but also to the two thousand locomotive drivers who are working under the hazardous conditions on a daily basis. According to the president of All Pakistan Loco Running Staff Train Drivers Association (APLRSTDA) M Saleem Raza, 80 percent of the 600 train engines had depreciated and a big accident could be occurred any time. He mentioned that the advertisements were published by them at all the railway stations of Pakistan for catching the attention of the management on December 1st in which it was demanded that the protected railway system must be restored immediately including opened railway crossings, failed signal system, depreciated tracks, unsafe coaches, and out of order train engines but the management showed their selfishness and failed to do so. We observed a black week against it but the management didnt notice it and showed their negligence and now two months has been passed, it seems they dont want to change it he added. He said that in this current period of terrorism where several bombs were exploding innocent people were killed but these drivers without any fear are doing their duties in 80 degree Celsius in the summer without any AC in the engine, adding that they all were removed by the authorities and fitted into their houses. Saleem Raza mentioned that they were receiving only 30 paisa for each Km while other workers were earning more, adding that there were times when it was said that the PIA pilots pay should be equal to the rail engine drivers now there is the difference of sky and the earth. He said that around 2100 railway crossings are without gates causing the great trouble for the public like the Mian Chunno train accident in which several kids were died. He said that even the railway signals were not working and could not indicate if the other train was coming or not. Saleem Raza said that Ghotki incident, NWFP incident, Jumma Goth incident, Mian Chunno incident and several other incidents were the cause of this outdated railway system and now we couldnt throw our nation into the hazardous situation. He indicated that there was no budget set up for the railways saying that the Army provided a great loss to the railways in the govt of General Musharraf for which no action was taken up. He further said that the privatization of the trains caused a great loss to the railway adding that there were no bathrooms and the first aid facility in the engines creating difficulties while driving. Raza said that they are ready to take retirement as soon as possible because the authorities are not taking effective measurements for the railway traffic. He said that around 65 million passengers travel through Pakistan Railways annually that generates Rs4.8 billion revenue which is 50% of the total outcome but the institution is still in losses without any development. He appealed to the high-ups to take effective measures otherwise they will submit their retirement.