Train passengers left vulnerable to crime

Middle-income families paying thousands of rupees for a train cabin ticket hope to travel safely in peace with their loved ones, without the constant urge to look out for their kids or their valuables. However, as below par security arrangements on trains operated by the Pakistan Railways allow the entry of shady individuals on board, passengers will have to think twice before shutting their eyes for a quick nap.

For instance, Parveen Bibi, revealed that she was on her way back home after attending a wedding in Rawalpindi, when her purse was stolen on the Tezgam train while she was asleep. "Security arrangements in passenger trains are inadequate. Broken locks on the doors allow people to move freely in and out of the compartments. Sometimes vendors enter to sell water or other items while beggars also frequently board the trains," shared Parveen.

Similarly, Muhammad Faisal, who was traveling from Karachi to Bahawalpur on the Karakoram train, shared that he had to go to his hometown with his family due to an emergency. "Despite spending thousands of rupees on a family cabin ticket, we had no privacy or safety since passengers could easily walk into a compartment in the absence of locks. There are no checks on people who are boarding the passenger trains, increasing the odds of theft," riled Faisal.

Muhammad Saleem, a former ticket checker at Pakistan Railways, confirmed that passengers' complaints about ineffective security measures in trains were valid. "According to security regulations, all entry and exit doors should be closed when a passenger train departs. However, manual locks are currently in place in passenger trains, and there is a need for electric locks," said Saleem.

According to statistics obtained by The Express Tribune from Pakistan Railways, every month, 20 to 25 incidents of theft or lost items are reported across all divisions, including Karachi, with 240 to 300 incidents reported last year and more than 150 incidents reported this year.

According to Manzoor Razi, Chairman of the Railway Workers Union, 18 trains are currently operating under Pakistan Railways, with each carrying 1,000 to 1,500 passengers. "Three guards, two ticket checkers, six to eight police personnel, and other staff are deployed in all trains. However, complaints regarding malfunctioning locks on doors, free movement of people, and incidents of pickpocketing and theft are common, due to the negligence of railway authorities during the inspection process," said Razi.

On the other hand, railway authorities have stated that, as per directives from railway headquarters, the locks on the doors of passenger compartments are being repaired and upgraded.

"During the journey, police personnel continuously patrol the train and ensure that compartment doors are closed, but passengers often open them. The police have been instructed to prevent the entry and exit of unauthorized individuals and to take action against those who do not comply with orders," affirmed a spokesperson for Pakistan Railway's Police.