Workers demand railway minister's removal

Six unions cite Rs123b losses, 17 train accidents

RAWALPINDI:

Six organisations of Pakistan Railways have jointly expressed no confidence in the performance of the railway system and demanded the removal of the current railway minister, citing deteriorating conditions.

The Railway Workers Union, Railway Prem Union, Railway Labour Union, Railway Inquilabi Union, Railway Mazdoor Union, and Railway Sempers Union criticised the practice of refurbishing old coaches with new paint and running them as new trains. They demanded replacement of dilapidated tracks from Karachi to Peshawar.

Union leaders stated that since the current minister assumed office, the railway system has been pushed toward destruction.

They claimed that 17 train accidents have occurred during his tenure, including five in Rawalpindi, primarily due to damaged tracks.

They termed the minister non-technical and said that former minister Khawaja had managed the department better, urging his return to save the railways.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, union leaders alleged that the railway administration has effectively put the entire system "up for sale." They called for an end to cosmetic measures and demanded complete track replacement, noting that the railway technical committee has already recommended replacing tracks from Karachi to Peshawar.

They also criticised increased charges, stating that passengers are being charged Rs50 for using station washrooms, Rs50 for entry tickets, Rs100 for parking, and Rs200 for porter services, while Wi-Fi facilities have been discontinued. They warned that all unions would stage protests if issues are not addressed.