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Pakistan Railways officials revealed that Pakistan once operated 244 trains; now, only 104 trains are running nationwide.
During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Railways, the Secretary Railways said that lack of government investment over the past several years has caused this sharp decline.
In response, the committee chairman Senator Jam Saifullah Khan has requested records from the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) regarding corruption cases in Pakistan Railways for the next meeting.
The Secretary Railways informed members that CPEC railway design is joint and the technical work is complete. A new train service from Lahore to Rawalpindi will begin soon.
He added that the new track will be upgraded, but the project is awaiting financing. A separate project from Karachi to Rohri is also in progress.
Senator Asad Qasim questioned why Quetta now runs only two trains nationwide, down from ten a decade ago. He highlighted the injustice towards Balochistan.
The Secretary Railways responded that the Public Sector Develop ment Program (PSDP) budget is limited this year.
No new coaches mean the railway department cannot become profitable. Only Karachi and Lahore routes currently generate any revenue.
The committee chairman mentioned that Austria has shown interest in ML-1. The Austrian rail company may invest in the project. He said all international investor are welcome, but if a non-Chinese investor participates in ML-1, international bidding will be required.
He also noted that ML-1 is a part of the CPEC, and China remains the top investor so far.
The Secretary further explained that Pakistan Railways owns agricultural, commercial and high value land. The land cannot be sold, but it can be leased.
Senator Shahadat Awan asked for a report on corrupt railway police officers and a briefing on constable recruitment.
Railway Police officials said that 500 constables were recruited, with 26 positions still vacant, who belong to minorities and women.
The committee chairman requested detailed updates from FIA and NAB on all pending railway corruption cases for the next meeting.
