The Senate Standing Committee on Railways voiced serious apprehension regarding passenger safety, the extensive network of non-operational routes, and delayed employee benefits during a meeting in Karachi on Monday, according to a Senate Secretariat release. Chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo, the committee reviewed the critical operational, security, and managerial obstacles confronting Pakistan Railways.
The committee received a briefing on the Karachi Railway Division’s infrastructure, revealing that 439 kilometers of track are currently non-functional out of a total network of 624 kilometers. Members expressed grave anxieties about the significant portion of unused lines and demanded the restoration of economically viable routes. Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt highlighted the recurrence of train incidents and the resulting loss of life, prompting the committee to instruct the Ministry of Railways to implement immediate and effective safeguards to improve passenger protection and decrease accident frequency.
Discussions also centered on the delayed ML-1 project, especially the susceptible Sukkur-Multan segment. The Chairman pushed the Ministry to expedite development and stressed the importance of safeguarding rail lines from flood damage, a recurring cause of service disruption. For restoring inactive lines, the committee recommended Ministry collaboration with provincial administrations, mirroring a successful model in Punjab, to acquire provincial funds for intercity rail initiatives.
Senator Dost Muhammad advocated for reviving the proposed circular railway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa linking Nowshera, Charsadda, and Peshawar, citing its revenue potential and public advantages. The Railways Secretary informed the committee about continuing talks with provincial authorities to expand collaborative rail infrastructure and intercity transport. Regarding station enhancements, the committee emphasized the need for balanced investment across provinces while prioritizing modernization endeavors in Karachi, the nation’s economic center.
The Secretary updated the committee on workforce adjustments amidst railway system digitization, noting upcoming specialized hiring for the transition. The committee also denounced the proliferation of fraudulent job postings, with Chairman Dharejo ordering the immediate reporting of such deceptive advertisements to cybercrime agencies.
Addressing unlawful land occupation, the committee learned that 307 acres of railway property are occupied by government bodies and 954 acres by private citizens. Officials cited legal and administrative obstacles, including court injunctions and insufficient local police support during eviction efforts. The committee called for stronger collaboration from provincial administrations and the judiciary to aid in land retrieval.
The committee applauded recent advancements in passenger facilities, including ATMs, water access, restrooms, information kiosks, and retail outlets, advocating escalator installations at busy stations like Hyderabad and Rohri. Employee welfare was a central concern, with significant worries expressed over pension delays, GP fund disbursement, commutations, and other staff entitlements. Railway union representatives directly conveyed their grievances to the committee. The Secretary clarified that despite repeated appeals to the Ministry of Finance, no dedicated funds have been granted, leaving the Ministry without the means to settle outstanding liabilities.
Finally, security matters, particularly in Balochistan, were examined. Senator Asad Qasim raised concerns in Quetta, referencing events like the Jaffar Express incident. The DIG Railways Police reported the deployment of extra personnel and the creation of updated security procedures to guarantee passenger security. The committee concluded by demanding urgent and coordinated reforms throughout Pakistan Railways to assure safety, operational effectiveness, and reliable service delivery.