KARACHI: A high-level meeting was chaired by Inspector General (IG) Railways Rao Tahir to address the increasing incidents of theft and fare evasion on Karachi’s railway network.
The session concentrated on enhancing security protocols within the railway sector, reviewing recent security breaches, and discussing rigorous countermeasures. During the meeting, IG Rao Tahir instructed authorities to scrutinize the criminal backgrounds of individuals suspected of theft and to intensify surveillance on their movements. Emphasis was placed on maintaining vigilance across railway yards, urging staff to adopt a proactive stance.
Furthermore, IG Rao Tahir directed Senior Police Officers to train their teams on safeguarding railway infrastructure, particularly signaling equipment. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing security cameras to gather video evidence, which could be used in legal proceedings. Crackdowns on pickpocketing on trains were also prioritized, with a call for stricter monitoring and legal action.
Karachi Division launched a campaign against fare-jumping, resulting in the confiscation of Rs. 38,550 in fines and ticket payments from passengers caught traveling without tickets on the Karakoram Express. Additionally, a contractor was fined Rs. 5,000 for unsatisfactory hygiene standards in the dining car.
During the meeting, Rao Tahir reassured passengers that they could file FIRs from any location and affirmed that safeguarding passenger belongings remains a primary focus of Railway Police.
In related developments, Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced the upcoming inauguration of a modern railway station in Karachi slated for September 10. During his visit to Faisalabad railway station, Abbasi highlighted ongoing initiatives aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, including the digitization of ticketing systems, the implementation of train tracking technology, installation of ATMs at key stations, and the rollout of Wi-Fi services at 40 railway stations across Punjab with provincial government support.
