A Senate Standing Committee on Railways reviewed Pakistan Railways’ flood preparedness, infrastructure modernization plans including the ML-1 project, encroachment and security challenges, and irregularities in a recent station contract auction, ordering the auction at Bhalwal cancelled and a full inquiry. The committee highlighted urgent needs across rolling stock, track and station upgrades, theft prevention, and harmonized staffing and pay, while calling for greater transparency and timely reporting from Pakistan Railways and relevant agencies.
The committee opened by assessing flood preparedness, hearing that vulnerable sections are being monitored in coordination with national and provincial disaster authorities. Members urged strict vigilance, close coordination with emergency agencies, and prompt rehabilitation where required.
Concern was raised over a batch of imported Chinese locomotives that remain non-operational despite substantial expenditure. The committee noted that the matter has been investigated by the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency and that the supplier has been blacklisted. It directed Pakistan Railways to provide a full case file at the next sitting and requested that NAB and FIA officials attend to respond to queries.
Committee members highlighted a prolonged halt in wagon construction caused by lack of funds and stressed that track rehabilitation must precede any induction of additional wagons. They decided on a fact-finding visit to the Islamabad Carriage Factory to obtain a detailed briefing on wagon production and the electric train system.
On the ML-1 project, officials reported ongoing discussions with the Asian Development Bank and Chinese counterparts regarding financing. The committee asked to be kept regularly updated and requested a comparative analysis of international track gauges to inform planning decisions.
Security and asset-protection issues were a major focus. The committee expressed alarm over the deterioration of electric train systems, recurring thefts in several divisions, and delays in scrap disposal. It ordered strengthened, foolproof security arrangements, more transparent scrap-auction processes, and timely submission of related reports. The committee also singled out frequent thefts of high-value distribution valves and demanded strict preventive measures, clear reporting lines, and accountability for losses.
Discussing modernization, members examined the Diesel Multiple Unit concept for inter-city services and urged a parallel push to upgrade tracks, explore electric locomotives, and ensure equitable station development across provinces. The committee emphasized that ongoing passenger facility schemes should include Rawalpindi and that Balochistan must receive prioritized security measures and resources.
The panel found the contract award process at Bhalwal Railway Station to be non-transparent, noting that higher bids had been overlooked. It ordered immediate cancellation of the auction and directed a comprehensive inquiry that hears all stakeholders before re-tendering.
During inspections, the committee reviewed facilities and security arrangements at Lahore Railway Station and instructed Pakistan Railways to install ramps at all stations to aid persons with disabilities. At the Pakistan Railways Academy in Lahore, members welcomed the digitization of land records through a Geographic Information system to help monitor and prevent encroachments. They also raised concerns about staff deputations to other organizations and disparities in Railway Police salaries compared with provincial police forces. The committee instructed Pakistan Railways to discourage unnecessary deputations, align Railway Police pay with provincial counterparts, and strengthen security equipment and manpower, particularly in Balochistan.
The committee concluded by reiterating that Pakistan Railways must modernize operations with an emphasis on transparency, robust security, and fair development across all provinces, and it called for regular updates and cooperation from oversight and investigative agencies.
