ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Friday unanimously passed the draft of the ‘Transfer of Railways Amendment Bill, 2025’, aimed at attracting investment through track access.
Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi briefed the committee on the rationale behind the initiative, saying that it would benefit the Reko Diq mining project by improving logistics.
The committee, headed by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, was told that provincial governments were also interested in investing in Pakistan Railways, and these amendments would enable them to contribute to the railway infrastructure.
Move to attract investment through track access, benefit Reko Diq project
The amended bill provides track access for operating rolling stock on the Pakistan Railways network to improve efficiency, facilitate competition, boost revenue, strengthen safety planning, and support investment in freight and passenger services using operators’ own locomotives and rolling stock.
Proposed railway board
Senator Rubina Khalid pointed out the absence of the minister, as a public representative, from the proposed railway board.
The committee chairman asked the railways minister to address the issue at the earliest. He directed the inclusion of the federal railways minister on the board to ensure stronger oversight and accountability.
The committee also proposed several measures for improvement within Pakistan Railways, and advised the ministry to approach the chambers of commerce to attract investment and expand public-private partnerships.
The chairman directed the ministry to extend the ongoing improvements, such as the installation of LEDs at major stations to smaller ones as well.
He also instructed the ministry to step up public awareness efforts on safety near railway tracks.
The committee reviewed an issue raised by Senator Shahadat Awan, who voiced concern about the possible impact on serving employees. The panel urged the minister to safeguard the interests of the serving staff.
The chairman directed the ministry to present a comprehensive briefing at the next meeting on outsourcing in railways, new hiring, its effects on the serving employees, manpower planning, budget implications, and revenue trends before and after outsourcing.
Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2025
