Expressing grave concern over the frequency of train accidents and a perceived lack of accountability for senior officials, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Wednesday directed the ministry to ensure all responsible personnel face legal proceedings.
The committee, chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan, also ordered the immediate strengthening of security measures at stations and on trains ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival.
During a meeting at the Parliament Lodges, Senator Awan observed that in the aftermath of recent rail incidents, disciplinary measures had predominantly targeted train drivers, with senior management seemingly evading responsibility. He mandated that the ministry must proceed against all officials found culpable, in accordance with the law.
Addressing notable security vulnerabilities at railway stations and onboard carriages, the chairman underscored the necessity for comprehensive safety arrangements for passengers travelling during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. The committee requested an update on new recruitment for the Railway security wing and instructed the DIG Railways to deliver regular briefings on theft cases and the preventive actions being taken.
In a move to enhance administrative transparency, the committee instructed the Ministry of Railways to expedite the resolution of all outstanding departmental committee matters on a priority basis. A comprehensive report on both settled and pending audit paras was demanded. Furthermore, the ministry has been given one month to supply a full list of cases involving the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency, and three months to report on progress in reclaiming encroached railway land.
Earlier in the session, ministry officials briefed the panel on budgetary allocations for new development schemes. The committee was informed that the critical Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, which spans 1,726 kilometres from Karachi to Peshawar, serves approximately 70 percent of the nation”s population. It was noted that while the track is double-line from Karachi to Lahore, it remains a single-line section from Lahore to Peshawar. Officials also acknowledged that recent floods had inflicted significant damage upon the railway infrastructure.
Responding to concerns articulated by Senator Rubina Khalid over insufficient train services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the chairman directed the ministry to prepare a briefing for a future meeting on consultations held with provinces regarding the expansion and modernisation of the rail network. The meeting was also attended by Senators Nasir Mehmood and Dost Ali Jeesar.