Lahore [Pakistan], April 23 : Pakistan Railways is grappling with an escalating crisis marked by severe financial constraints, staff shortages, and operational inefficiencies, forcing authorities to keep passenger and freight services running under highly inadequate conditions. The worsening situation is not only disrupting services but also raising serious concerns about passenger and crew safety, as reported by Dawn.
According to Dawn, the shortage of resources has led to alarming compromises in maintenance and operations. Officials admit that the lack of funds has resulted in damage to key assets, including locomotives, coaches, wagons, and railway tracks, contributing to an increased risk of accidents.
Multiple internal meetings have highlighted the gravity of the issue, with officers voicing frustration over their inability to perform duties effectively. A senior official from the Lahore Division revealed that the region alone is operating with nearly 50 per cent of its sanctioned workforce.
He noted that even minor financial approvals, such as PKR 500,000, require prolonged bureaucratic processes with headquarters, severely hindering timely action. Despite these challenges, railway staff continue to work under immense pressure to sustain operations.
The crisis, long rooted in structural and financial weaknesses, has intensified over the past six to seven years, reaching a critical point in 2026. Even the outgoing chief executive officer struggled to maintain operations and ensure timely salary payments, reflecting the depth of institutional strain.
Makeshift solutions have become routine, with staff forced to dismantle parts from some coaches to repair others, as highlighted by Dawn.
All eight railway divisions, including Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Sukkur, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Workshop division, are facing similar hardships. Officers have warned that under current conditions, meeting operational and revenue targets is becoming increasingly unrealistic.
During a recent meeting, Divisional Superintendent Inam Ullah Khan urged officials to focus on improving train operations, as reported by Dawn.