ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Railways informed the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Railways that Pakistan Railways achieved record passenger earnings of Rs48.832 billion during FY 2024–25, while earnings during the first six months of the current fiscal year have shown a 7 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
A requisitioned meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Railways was held with Ramesh Lal, MNA, in the chair in the absence of the chairman, in accordance with sub-rule (2) of Rule 216 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007 at the Parliament House on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the committee was briefed on the issue of train engine failures, which have caused delays and inconvenience to passengers.
It was informed that locomotive failures have slightly increased compared to previous years, primarily due to an aging fleet, with over 63 percent of locomotives having exceeded 20 years of service.
The committee was apprised of corrective measures, including improved maintenance practices, enhanced budgetary allocations, training of technical staff, procurement of quality materials through third-party inspections, and technical assistance from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
It was also informed that plans for the overhauling and modernisation of diesel-electric locomotives were also shared.
Coach availability has increased from 1,016 in September 2025 to 1,105, against a requirement of 1,100, and is expected to reach 1,150 by June 2026. The Secretary, Pakistan Railways, briefed the committee in detail on issues relating to the restructuring and outsourcing of various sections of the railways to improve efficiency and enhance passenger services.
Regarding service quality, the committee reviewed the issue of non-functional air-conditioning units in passenger coaches and it was stated that failures have increased due to old AC units; however, the replacement process is underway. Out of 153 new AC units procured, 85 have already been installed, while the remaining units are expected to be installed by March 2026.
Progress regarding the overhauling of power vans and the procurement of spare parts was also shared with the committee.
