ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Railways unanimously passed the draft of Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at attracting investment through track access.
The Standing Committee met with Senator Jam Saifullah Khan in the chair to discuss the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and Starred Question No. 58 referred by the House.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi briefed the committee on the rationale behind the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The committee was informed that the intent of the proposed amendments is to attract investment through track access. It was highlighted that, keeping in view the Reko Diq project, track access would play a beneficial role in facilitating the project.
The committee was further informed that the provincial governments of Pakistan are also interested in investing in Pakistan Railways, and these amendments will enable them to invest in railway infrastructure.
After thoroughly examining the proposed amendments, the committee unanimously passed the draft of the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Senator Rubina Khalid pointed out the absence of the minister, as a public representative, from the proposed Railway Board. The chairman of the committee asked the Minister for Railways to address this issue at the earliest and directed that the inclusion of the Federal Minister for Railways in the Railway Board be ensured to strengthen public oversight and supervision. The committee also suggested various measures for improvement within Pakistan Railways.
It recommended approaching Chambers of Commerce to enhance investment and promote public-private partnerships.
The chairman directed the Ministry of Railways to extend ongoing improvements such as the installation of LEDs at major railway stations to smaller stations as well and raise public awareness regarding safety near railway tracks.
The committee also considered the matter raised through Starred Question No. 58 referred by the House.
Senator Shahadat Awan, the mover of the agenda, expressed concern over the potential impact on serving employees and urged the minister to safeguard their interests. The chairman directed the Ministry of Railways to present a comprehensive briefing in the next meeting on outsourcing in railways, new recruitment, the impact of outsourcing on employees, manpower planning, budgetary implications, and details of railway revenues before and after outsourcing.
