The Senate Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, reviewed Pakistan Railways’ flood preparedness, infrastructure modernization plans including the ML-1 project, station upgrades, encroachment controls and security concerns, and ordered the cancellation of a contested auction at Bhalwal Railway Station while calling for a full inquiry.
Pakistan Railways briefed the committee on flood readiness, saying vulnerable stretches in Sindh were being monitored in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial governments. Committee members directed strict vigilance, faster rehabilitation of affected lines and infrastructure, and continued coordination with relevant authorities.
Committee members expressed alarm over a batch of Chinese locomotives imported in 2011 that remain non-operational despite substantial expenditure. The locomotives have already been the subject of investigations by the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency, and the supplier firm has been blacklisted. The committee directed Pakistan Railways to present full case details at the next meeting, with NAB and FIA officials in attendance.
The committee noted that no wagons were constructed between 2018 and 2023 due to funding shortfalls and stressed the need to rehabilitate and upgrade tracks before introducing additional rolling stock. It decided to visit the Islamabad Carriage Factory to receive a detailed briefing on wagon construction capabilities and the electric train system.
Regarding the flagship ML-1 project, officials said financing discussions are underway with the Asian Development Bank and Chinese partners. The committee ordered Pakistan Railways to provide regular progress updates and to include an international comparative analysis of track gauges to inform decision-making.
Security and asset-management issues drew significant concern. Members highlighted deterioration of electric train systems, repeated thefts in the Quetta, Taftan and MGPR divisions, and delays in scrap disposal. The committee directed implementation of robust security arrangements, timely and transparent scrap auctions, and prompt reporting with clear accountability.
On modernization and passenger services, the committee examined the Diesel Multiple Unit concept for inter-city travel and urged accelerated track upgrades and consideration of electric traction where feasible. Members pressed for equitable station development across provinces, asked that Rawalpindi be included in ongoing passenger facility schemes, and emphasized prioritizing security and resource allocation for Balochistan.
The committee found the auction process for a contract at Bhalwal Railway Station to be non-transparent, noting the award had been made despite higher offers being available. It ordered immediate cancellation of the auction and a detailed inquiry that hears all stakeholders.
During on-site inspections, the committee evaluated facilities and security at Lahore Railway Station and directed the installation of ramps and other accessibility features at all stations to assist persons with disabilities. At the Pakistan Railways Academy in Lahore, members welcomed the digitization of land records using a Geographical Information System to better monitor and prevent encroachments, but raised concerns about staff deputations to other organizations and pay disparities affecting Railway Police.
The committee directed Pakistan Railways to discourage non-essential deputations, bring Railway Police salaries into parity with provincial police forces, and strengthen security equipment and manpower—particularly in Balochistan. It also ordered strict preventive measures, improved reporting and accountability to curb repeated thefts of expensive distribution valves and similar assets, and commended timely actions taken in response to such incidents.
Chairing the session, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan emphasized that Pakistan Railways must pursue modernization while ensuring transparency, stronger security, and equitable development across all provinces.
