This was apprised by the Director Land of Pakistan Railway to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways that met in the Parliament House on Thursday. The meeting was presided over by Chairman of the Committee Sardar Tufail Ahmad Khan.
The Committee was informed that surplus Railway lands are leased out for commercial purposes to earn revenue and generate funds as per policy decision of the federal government.
Generally this land is leased out for Parking Stands, Premium Shops, Khokha Shops, Construction of Offices, Storage for Food Department, Oil Companies, Licensing for Passing, Crossings of Pipelines, Cables and temporary licensing up to six months for Miscellaneous purposes.
The Committee was also informed that enquiry regarding missing of files relating to Railway Golf Course is underway. The statements of concerned officers have been recorded except Shafiquallah, Divisional Superintendent, and Railway who is the concerned officer of this case.
The Committee directed that statement of Shafiquallah should be recorded immediately and the final report of the case be submitted within a week before the Committee.
The report submitted by approved consultant is under scrutiny and the consortium in this regard will give presentation shortly.
The Committee was told that during the year 2006-07 the freight business unit of Pakistan Railway earned revenue of Rs 5,230 million against variable expenditure of Rs 2,360 million and full expenses of Rs 6,510 million.
Thus freight business unit earned profit of Rs 2,870 million as compared to variable cost but suffered loss of Rs 1,280 million when compared with full cost.
Efforts are being made by the Railway to generate more profit in this sector.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2007