Pakistan Railways: NA body seeks report on financial losses caused by accidents

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has suffered 35 train accidents in the last six months, largely due to decades of underinvestment, ageing tracks, obsolete infrastructure and resource constraints, prompting the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways to seek a detailed report on the financial losses caused by the incidents while ordering the Railways ministry to explain delays in restructuring its infrastructure and introducing safety reforms. The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Ramesh Lal, reviewed recent railway accidents, the implementation of previous recommendations, land management, passenger concessions, and institutional reforms. Secretary of Railways informed the committee that 35 railway accidents had been reported during the past six months, although the overall trend showed a decline. He said Pakistan Railways operates between 38, 000 and 40, 000 train services annually, and every accident is investigated through a formal departmental inquiry to fix responsibility. Officials also briefed lawmakers on recent accidents, including the Shalimar Express collision at Lakha Road Station in Sukkur Division and the derailment of the Tezgam Express on the Lodhran-Bahawalpur section, outlining inquiry findings and disciplinary action against officials held responsible. The committee directed Pakistan Railways to submit a comprehensive report on the financial losses resulting from the accidents and instructed the Ministry of Railways to ensure the presence of the federal minister at the next meeting, with members expressing displeasure over his absence. Taking up the issue of railway land, the committee sought a comprehensive report on encroachments across the railway network, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad and other areas. Syed Waseem Hussain called for a complete record of encroachments and investigations into alleged illegal occupations. The secretary told the committee that railway land leases are now being awarded through open auction, with the entire leasing process being video-recorded to enhance transparency. He assured lawmakers that a detailed report on encroachments would be presented at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed Pakistan Railways’ restructuring, revival and growth plan, including its governance framework, institutional reforms and implementation strategy. It directed the ministry to submit a detailed progress report on the restructuring programme, including updates on the ML-I and PIPRI projects, at its next sitting. Lawmakers also reviewed passenger concession schemes. Officials said citizens aged 75 years and above continue to receive free travel, while discounted fares remain available for persons with disabilities, students, and athletes. The issue of restoring fare concessions for journalists also came under discussion. Members strongly criticised the performance of railway officials, accusing the bureaucracy of failing to protect railway land, ignoring committee directives, delaying responses to public complaints, and failing to respond promptly to lawmakers’ correspondence. Some members also demanded disciplinary action, including the removal of a senior railway official. The committee also considered a proposal to restore reserved seats for parliamentarians in the AC and Business Class of the Green Line Express, while discussing broader reforms to improve governance and place Pakistan Railways on a stronger financial footing. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Read full story on Business Recorder