Railways to outsource guest houses, install free Wi-Fi at 40 stations

(Web Desk): Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Railways that all railway guest houses are to be outsourced, and free Wi-Fi will soon be installed at around 40 railway stations.

The meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Rai Hassan Nawaz, was held at the Parliament House. During the meeting, the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan briefed the committee members on railway land in Muzaffargarh.

Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi inquired, "Who owns this land?" The Commissioner of D.G. Khan responded that, according to official documents, the land belongs to the federal government. Committee member Jamshed Dasti said that a privilege motion could be moved against the commissioner for submitting a false report to the committee.

On this occasion, Hanif Abbasi stated that civil bureaucracy receives the most support from court decisions. "The High Court’s decision must be accepted as it is, and the land should be returned to the Railways. Return our land in D.G. Khan and help us remove encroachments," he added.

The Commissioner replied that the matter is currently being handled by the Board of Revenue. The committee chairman postponed the issue until the next meeting.

Later, railway officials briefed the committee about clean drinking water filtration plants at railway stations. Committee member Waseem Hussain mentioned that the condition of Hyderabad Railway Station is extremely poor and suggested a visit.

Hanif Abbasi responded that work at Hyderabad Station will begin immediately from tomorrow. Committee member Nuzhat Sadiq asked about the medical emergency protocol during railway travel. Railway officials replied that trained staff is available on trains, and first aid is provided onboard.

They further explained that hospitals and doctors are available at major railway stations. Passengers are only allowed to continue their journey after consulting a doctor.

The meeting also discussed the ineffectiveness of the "Rabta App" and the digitization agenda of the Railways. Hanif Abbasi acknowledged that the Rabta App had not been functioning properly.

Railway officials informed the committee that the Prime Minister had formed a committee on digitization, and officers will be recruited on MP scale to make the Rabta App more effective. The IT team has been given a deadline until July, and the app will be active by July 15.

Hanif Abbasi added that advertisements have already been published regarding the outsourcing of all railway guest houses. Reputed firms will be contracted for the outsourcing process.