Lahore: Federal Railways Minister Azam Swati has said he is ready to offer his resignation if ‘it served as compensation to the losses and casualties in the incident sufferings’ of the heirs of deceased and injured victims of two-train collision.
Speaking to reporters in the provincial capital, the minister said as many 63 passengers were killed and 107 others sustained wounds in Dharaki Train mishaps. “Only 20 injured victims are still admitted to the hospitals.
According to Swati, the passengers onboard Millat Express had complained that the bogies of trains jiggled more than usual, adding the investigations are underway and officials responsible for the mishap would be taken to the task.
“There is no other option except to upgrade the railways network for which Rs620 billions are required. The railways track is 60-year-old, but trains can’t be halted.”
The department had asked the government to provide funds for replacing dangerous track, the minister said, adding the matter would be tabled before Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Swati had indicated to involve Pakistan Army in the investigation of train accidents.
Nine officers suspended
Raiwlays authorities suepnded nine officers from service in connection with the Dharaki-Ghotki train accident that took place on Monday last.
The officers who have been put on suspension belongs to Sukkhar and Karachi divisions.
