Lahore: A recent report has exposed Pakistan Railways’ negligence towards passenger safety. Security cameras, scanners, and other equipment worth millions of rupees are either non-functional or outdated, posing a significant security risk at railway stations across the country.
Sources reveal that most security cameras and baggage scanners installed at railway stations have been out of order for a long time. This lack of functioning equipment leaves passengers vulnerable, as there is no system in place to check baggage or locate lost items. The malfunctioning scanners also increase the risk of smuggling drugs and other illicit materials.
At Lahore Railway Station, only a few police officers are on duty, unable to thoroughly check baggage due to the large number of passengers. Out of the 46 cameras installed at the station, 36 are not working. The railway administration has not replaced these cameras in the past two years, hindering the railway police’s ability to maintain security.
Sources say that a tender was issued for the replacement of security cameras, but the Ministry of Railways canceled it and ordered a new tender. While the installation of security equipment at railway stations is the responsibility of the respective Divisional Superintendents, the administration’s negligence has led to a series of security lapses and accidents.
A staggering 90% of scanners at major railway stations like Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Rohri are reportedly non-functional. The railway police are understaffed and equipped with outdated and faulty devices. Police sources say they are forced to work double shifts, and their requests for new equipment have not been fulfilled.
In the past five years, approximately 204.5 million passengers have traveled by train. Despite the increasing number of passengers, the railway administration is failing to provide adequate facilities or utilize modern technology to ensure their safety.
While the railway administration claims that faulty cameras are being replaced, the railway police maintain that they are working with limited resources. New equipment will be purchased once funds are available.
Sources within Lahore Railways allege widespread corruption. They claim that cameras at Lahore Railway Station have been out of order for two years due to a lack of funds, while officials have spent crores of rupees constructing a swimming pool at the railway officers’ colony.
