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ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP):Pakistan Railways (PR) has undertaken a series of comprehensive measures to prevent accidents and strengthen safety management across its network, alongside a phased modernization of rail infrastructure to address long-standing operational and service challenges.
“The regular training programmes, refresher courses, safety seminars and workshops are being conducted at both divisional levels and the Railway Academy to enhance the competency and safety awareness of operational staff,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP.
He said inspections by officers and senior subordinates are carried out in accordance with defined quotas to ensure strict compliance with safety protocols. In addition, Safety Bulletins and the “Rule of the Month” are circulated regularly to provide continuous guidance to operating staff.
As part of accident-prevention efforts, he said the inspections of level crossings are being conducted by the concerned authorities. Out of 536 vulnerable unmanned level crossings across the rail network, 168 have already been upgraded, while work on the remaining crossings is underway with the assistance of provincial governments.
The official said that disciplinary action is being taken against officials found responsible for accidents to ensure accountability and adherence to safety standards.
In parallel, he said Pakistan Railways has launched a comprehensive strategy to modernize its aging infrastructure. Key focus areas include track safety improvement, rehabilitation of critical and weak bridges, upgrading of branch lines, modernization of railway stations, and enhancement of international rail connectivity.
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), he said the several track-upgradation projects are currently in progress. These include immediate and essential track safety works on the Rohri–Khanpur, Rohri–Sibi, Tando Adam–Rohri, Kiamari–Hyderabad, Khanewal–Shorkot–Faisalabad–Qila Sheikhupura–Shahdara, and Sher Shah–Kundian sections. Rehabilitation of the Kotri–Akhundabad track on the Kotri–Dadu section, reconstruction of Railway Bridge No. 4 on the Shahdara–Sangla Hill section, rehabilitation of the Samma Satta–Bahawalnagar section, and strengthening of weak bridges across the network are also underway.
To a question, the official said Pakistan Railways, in collaboration with provincial governments, is upgrading key branch lines across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to introduce Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) aimed at providing safer, more reliable and comfortable travel.
He said that meetings have been held at both federal and provincial levels, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Punjab is in the final stages. Punjab has earmarked Rs 1.2 billion for feasibility studies during the financial year 2025–26.
On the passenger services front, Pakistan Railways has initiated extensive station upgradation programmes to modernize waiting areas, ticketing systems, digital information displays, Wi-Fi facilities, sanitation and accessibility features, with special focus on elderly and differently-abled passengers.