LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to consider a proposal seeking launch of tourist trains for four places including Changa Manga and Taxila.

On the other hand, the PR`s management has sought repair/maintenance plan for the faulty locomotives, directing the authorities to make practical efforts to render all engines operational, Dawn has learnt.

`The launch of four tourist trains was discussed in a meeting held between Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi and Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat.

During the meeting Mr Hayat noated a proposalto launch a tourist train at Lal Sohanra(Bahawalpur). However, the proposal appeared not feasible due to non-availability of track in the area.

Later, Mr Hayat asked the railways minister to revive Changa Manga touristtrainbesideslaunchofthree new trains at various tourist points including Taxila,` a senior official privy to the meeting told Dawn on Tuesday.

`Andfinallytheminister directed the authorities concerned to start working out the proposals in this regard,` the official requesting anonymity said.

`Changa Manga and Taxila points are almost final whereas the remaining two points/cities will be decided soon,` he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Abbasi told the minister about the PR`s plan to outsource operation of the railways` schools across thecountry. The PR would introduce reforms in the PR-owned schools on the pattern of educational institutions operated by the Punjab government.

Mr Abbasi, on the request of the Punjab minister for education ordered to remove all encroachments in the railway areas in Kot Radha Kishan, Kanganpur and Khuddian. He also directed the authorities to follow the model of Punjab government`s project of Suthra Punjab launched by the chief minister.

Earlier, the railways minister while presiding over a meeting sought plan for the repair of all faulty locomotives. `I would advise you to better seek a legal opinion to auction the completely out-of-order locomotives,` he said, adding that three faulty locomotives must beadded to the fleet within the next 45 days. The minister also sought availability of relief trains in all divisions of railways.

He warned the departments concerned in railways to meet targets assigned by the ministry.

ESSENTIAL GOODS: The Lahore district administration has significantly tightened its measures against profiteering across the city, implementing stringent actions to ensure essential commodities are sold at official rates.

Recent enforcement drives, according to a spokesman, have resulted in the registration of eight first information reports (FIRs) against violators, issuance of 73 warnings to traders, and the arrest of six individuals involved in illegal price hike. Furthermore, penalties totalling Rs150,000 were levied onbusinesses found guilty of overcharging and three shops were sealed for failing to comply with the established price regulations.

The Lahore deputy commissioner has instructed administrative officers to maintain constant vigilance and conduct rigorous market inspections. This proactive approach aims to guarantee the availability of food items according to the governmentapproved price list, providing necessary relief to the public. The administration`s efforts appear to be yielding positive results, as stability has been observed in the prices of 16 essential items, including key staples such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and lemons. Additionally, the prices of two vegetable varieties have registered a decrease. Specific fruit prices also remained stable, withKala Kulu apples reported at Rs235 per kg, bananas at Rs260, Kandhari pomegranates at Rs540, Iranian dates at Rs460, and Aseel dates at Rs430 as per the official list.

Addressing concerns regarding poultry costs, the DC Lahore confirmed that a coordinated strategy involving strict monitoring is currently being implemented to bring down the price of broiler chicken meat. DC Syed Musa Raza reiterated the administration`s firm commitment, stating, `We are diligently working towards providing every possible relief to the people of Lahore.

`This ongoing crackdown underscores the district administration`s dedication to curbing inflation and protecting consumers from unfair pricing practices in the provincial capital,` he said.