ISLAMABAD: Former caretaker minister Khushdil Khan Malik met with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday to discuss railway crossing restoration in Islamabad. Specifically, the meeting focused on reopening the old level crossing at Sabzi Mandi as well as restoring the Taro Jabba crossing to the Banda Sheikh Ismail link road.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Railways attended the meeting at the minister’s office. These officials included the Divisional Superintendent (DS) Railways, Peshawar, along with other senior staff.
Minister Abbasi instructed the DS Railways and his team to coordinate directly with Khushdil Khan Malik. He emphasized the need to resolve the long-pending public issue without delay. Furthermore, he directed the DS to hold a follow-up meeting on Friday so as to finalize practical steps and ensure accountability.
Khushdil Khan Malik explained the hardships faced by residents. He particularly highlighted frequent accidents and the suffering of elderly citizens, especially women during medical emergencies. Therefore, he urged the ministry to act swiftly on behalf of the local community and prioritize safety.
In response, Minister Abbasi assured that concrete measures would begin within a week. Moreover, he sent a message through Khushdil Khan Malik, promising early resolution and urging residents to stay confident about receiving timely relief and improved access.
To strengthen the process, the ministry plans to conduct a site inspection and additionally engage local representatives. This approach will help assess technical feasibility while also ensuring community input. Officials also aim to streamline coordination between federal and divisional teams so that implementation is faster.
In addition, the ministry will explore budget allocations and engineering options to ensure long-term safety. Meanwhile, public feedback will be gathered to guide implementation and thereby avoid future delays.
The restoration of these crossings is expected to improve public safety, reduce travel time, and reconnect vital routes. Overall, residents have long demanded action, and this renewed commitment signals progress toward resolving Islamabad’s railway crossing restoration challenges.
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