NA panel uncovers PKR 10 lakh overcharging scam on Yatra train
Orders refunds and action against railway officials
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Railway Subcommittee has uncovered that passengers on the Yatra train from Karachi to Nankana Sahib were allegedly overcharged by more than PKR 10 lakh, raising serious concerns over transparency and financial management within Pakistan Railways.
The subcommittee meeting, chaired by Convenor Ramesh Lal, flagged major discrepancies in railway receipts, with fares listed as PKR 8.2 million and PKR 9.494 million for the same journey. “Charging pilgrims extra is unacceptable and harms Pakistan’s reputation. We have always welcomed Indian pilgrims with respect,” Lal said.
Committee members, including Sadiq Memon, questioned how railway authorities inflated fares by misrecording travel distances. Lal ordered immediate refunds of excess charges, accountability for responsible officials, and written apologies to all affected passengers. Railway officials assured the panel that a comprehensive inquiry would be launched and all officials found guilty would face disciplinary action.
The subcommittee also expressed dissatisfaction with the overall condition of Pakistan Railways. Lal disclosed that during a recent trip arranged for a sitting Member of the National Assembly, restroom facilities lacked running water, while resources were being spent repainting train carriages from blue to red without any corresponding service improvements. He warned that CEO Amir Ali Baloch must rectify these issues or face a motion of accountability.
The meeting further examined illegal encroachments on railway land. Lal stated, “No encroachment can occur without the approval of the Divisional Superintendent. Unnecessary explanations cannot hide the truth.” Railway officials confirmed that anti-encroachment drives are carried out under the supervision of the DS and Senior Superintendent of Police.
Officials from REDAMCO informed the committee that the company had remained largely inactive from 2019 to 2023 but generated PKR 595 million in profit in 2023–24, transferring PKR 1.2 billion to the Ministry of Railways by 2025. Under the agreed revenue-sharing formula, REDAMCO receives 15 percent while the Ministry retains 85 percent.
On the ML-1 project, Railway Board Secretary Rahat Mirza said that following the suspension of cooperation with China, Pakistan Railways had sought alternative financing and made significant progress with friendly countries and donor agencies. He added that the agreement with the Asian Development Bank is now 85 percent complete, and the project will be executed in phases. Staff Report
