KARACHI: The project of fencing the train tracks in Karachi to halt deaths is facing delay owing to illegal encroachments on land of PR along the tracks. The PR Division Karachi officials say as per rules it is mandatory to leave open space of 100-feet on each side of the track. They said that in several areas from Railway Station Cantt to Landhi, this open area is illegally encroached. They said that due to encroachments just 15-16 feet open space is left along rail tracks in areas like Kalaboard, Hazara Colony, etc. Due to encroachments neither a boundary wall could not be constructed nor fencing could be done because according to PR laws, 100-feet area is must to be left open, PR Divisional Engineer Zone-1 Nooruddin told PPI here. He said the feasibility report to fence rail track from Cantonment to Landhi station to stop trespassing railway lines has been sent to PR Headquarter, Lahore. The work on this project would be initiated with an estimated cost of Rs20 million. When asked when the feasibility report would be okayed, Mr. Noor said as the PR Headquarters had to take care PR matters of whole country, it would take time. However, he maintained, that report was under process. The fencing of train tracks was direly needed as a number of people lost their precious lives while crossing, he noted adding the main hurdle in way of materialization of this project was encroachments along rail tracks. Until removing these encroachments, the work could not be kicked off, he opined. Nooruddin said PR Karachi Division has approached the Sindh government and city government over the issue, seeking their support for removal of these encroachments. He said the removal of hundreds of houses was not a simple task, because it would irk people of these slums. He said a grand operation was needed for the purpose and the government had promised to fully coordinate with PR. He said the Nazim of Shah Faisal Town Muhammad Imran has assured to help PR in removal of encroachments. He said the town would assist the operation besides providing heavy machinery, if required. Meanwhile, source told that vacation notices had been served by PR to residents of such localities, asking them to vacate land within 14-days. They said it seems to be a ‘fruitless effort’, as in past such notices had many times been served, but people refused to vacate railway land as they were not provided with alternate plots. When asked about construction of an underpass at Malir Halt, he said PR Division Karachi had already sent a proposal in this regard to Chief Engineer Pakistan Railways at PR Headquarters, Lahore. He said that the location of underpass (at PR 23km between pole No. 1-2) in UC No. 6 in Malir-15 was not approved, saying it was not feasible. A joint survey of PR Engineers and CDGK officials was conducted and a new location (at 23km between pole No. 5-6) was selected, he said adding the report in this regard had already been forwarded to the PR Headquarters for final approval. Positive response is expected within 10-15 days, he mentioned. In the first phase the PR Bridge Branch would initiate work, while remaining construction and roadwork would be expedited later, he added. He said that the CDGK had released Rs2.5 million for the project while remaining funds were awaited. After formal approved it would be completed within six months. On the other hand, EDO Works & Services, CDGK, Amanullah Chachar maintained there was no delay on the part of CDGK. He said that the Pakistan Railways would carry out the work; however, CDGK would extend any sort of assistance, if required.—Agency