ISLAMABAD: In a major push toward structural overhaul and economic connectivity, lawmakers on the Senate Standing Committee on Railways met on Monday to review sweeping modernisation plans for the country’s aging rail network.

High on the agenda was the upgrading of historic, around 200-year-old railway tracks alongside a massive PPP-mode plan for Main Line 2 (ML-2) — a 1,254-kilometer network expansion designed to transform rail transit across Sindh through dedicated Kotri–Dadu, Dadu–Larkana, and Hyderabad–Mirpurkhas links.

The committee urged the Ministry of Railways to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sindh government at the earliest. Emphasising historic heritage and regional infrastructure resilience, the committee directed the minister for railways to visit the site personally to inspect the historic Dadu Railway Station — built in 1890 and featuring a one-kilometer platform — to prevent further deterioration.

Urgent instructions were also issued to prioritise the restoration of railway bridges severely damaged by recent heavy rainfall and flooding across the network. The high-level meeting was convened at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Shahadat Awan.

Tracks alongside Main Line-2 to be upgraded thru public-private plan

The committee comprehensively reviewed the key operational, finan­cial, and administrative matters surrounding Pakistan Railways. The meeting formally commenced with a warm welcome to the newly inducted member, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt.

During the proceedings, the committee critically evaluated the compliance status of earlier recommendations rendered in its meetings held on Feb 25, 2026, and May 11, 2026. A major focus of the discussion was directed towards commercial assets and land management.

Addressing the inquiry regarding 53 petrol pumps situated on railway property, the committee was informed that the entire operational process remains strictly in compliance with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and prescribed standards.

The officials noted that following the policy update in 2023, the rental amount was revised to 10 per cent from eight per cent. However, the committee emphasised that the overall rent policy must align strictly with the law and directed that commercial rents be re-evaluated and fixed accordingly.

Addressing the long-standing accountability concerns, the committee examined pending inquiries with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) dating back to 2021.

Expressing concern over delays, the committee instructed the ministry and railway officials to conduct internal departmental inquiries, fix accountability, identify the individuals named in the inquiry reports and keep the committee regularly updated.

Furthermore, regarding theft of HSD (high speed diesel), the officials stated that the railways have reduced thefts to zero as the fuel is now directly injected into train engines. On administrative compliance and reporting accuracy, the committee voiced displeasure over incomplete or misleading feedback provided between July 21, 2025, and July 26, 2026.

The instances of embezzlement and inaccurate reporting were highlighted, prompting the committee to mandate a thorough 15-day investigation from the officers responsible for submitting misleading reports.

On encroachments on the Pakistan Railways lands, the committee commended the retrieval of 376 acres of land from illegal encroachments out of a targeted 13,000 + acres, while directing the chairman and the ministry to accelerate anti-encroachment drives and submit a comprehensive feedback report within two months.

In relation to public compensation, the committee deliberated upon the long-pending settlement for the affectees under Case No. 1/2018. Displeasure was expressed regarding delayed compliance in coordination with the Finance Division.

The committee also directed the authorities to formulate concrete, legally sound solutions aligned with the orders of the court and ensure fair, prompt compensation for all affected parties. Subsequently, Agenda Item II and Agenda Item III were disposed of following satisfactory initial responses and commitments from the ministry.

The minister for railways reassured the committee that strict transparency will govern all future operations, affirming that neither the department nor any individual would be permitted to lease a single foot of railway land arbitrarily, and that every transaction will strictly follow the law.

The meeting was attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesa, Bushra Anjum Butt, minister for railways and senior officials from the departments concerned.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2026