Security of Balochistan trains beefed up

Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday told the National Assembly that Pakistan Railways has increased security for trains in Balochistan after recent tragic incidents.

During the question hour, he explained that the Railway Police, includes 2,802 personnel. According to their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), two to four Railway Police officers are usually assigned to regular trains in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

Kayani said that earlier, 13 security personnel were deployed on each train in Balochistan - five from the Railway Police and eight from the Frontier Corps (FC). However, after the recent incidents, security has been further tightened. "Now, each train traveling to Balochistan will have 22 security personnel onboard — 11 from the FC and 11 from the Railway Police," he added.

He also spoke about improved security at the Quetta Railway Station. "The fencing project there has been finalized, and security is being strengthened," he said. New walk-through gates and scanners are being installed to replace old equipment and improve passenger screening.

Kayani mentioned that a bomb disposal squad is already in place, but its capabilities are being enhanced. He also said that faulty communication systems are being upgraded to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, sniffer dogs are checking Balochistan-bound trains.

The minister said Pakistan Railways has significantly increased its revenue by outsourcing the commercial management of multiple trains to private contractors.

Responding to questions during question hour, he said that through strategic outsourcing and service enhancements, Pakistan Railways' revenue rose from Rs3.36 billion to Rs6.21 billion — an increase of 84.71%.

The minister highlighted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the improved performance of Pakistan Railways. "Outsourcing catering services, the renovation of dining cars, and value-added services have led to a noticeable improvement in passenger satisfaction," he said.

He said the introduction of RABTA — a digital platform for integrated services — and the addition of pay-to-use washrooms as measures that have enhanced customer convenience.

Catering services and renovations were carried out on key trains, including, Hazara Express (11UP/12DN), Khyber Mail (1UP/2DN), Zakaria Express (25UP/26DN), Tezgam Express (7UP/8DN).

Kayani also informed about upcoming commercial outsourcing for seven more trains, including Karachi Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Farid Express, Sukkur Express, Mohenjo Daro Passenger, and Rawalpindi Passenger, to further improve efficiency and revenue generation.

"Pakistan Railways' punctuality rate has improved from 63% in 2019 to 82% in 2025," he informed the House.

Revenue has increased from Rs47.58 billion in 2019-20 to Rs88.73 billion in 2023-24, reflecting an 86.5% growth. "This remarkable progress underscores improved governance and service quality across the board," Kayani said.

Kayani acknowledged that Pakistan Railways operates on an aging 10,633 km track network, posing serious challenges to repair and maintenance. "Delays in maintenance and operational inefficiencies stem largely from this outdated infrastructure," he said.