In a recent development, train operations in Karachi have been significantly affected due to a nationwide strike organized by Pakistan Railways employees over delayed payments. The strike unfolded as a protest at Cant station in Karachi, bringing rail operations to a halt. Notably, this disruption resulted in significant delays for several trains, including the Green Line and Rehman Baba, departing from Cantt station.
The issue at the heart of this strike is the non-payment of dues to Pakistan Railways employees. As a consequence, railway workers staged a protest on a railway track at the Cant station, leading to a suspension of train operations. Passengers and railway officials alike faced inconvenience due to these disruptions.
In a related development, Pakistan Railways has made a strategic decision to modernize and commercialize railway stations with the aim of generating substantial revenue. Caretaker Railways Minister Shahid Ashraf Tarar announced this initiative while presiding over a meeting to review the upgrade and commercialization plan for Rawalpindi railway station in Islamabad. According to Tarar, railway stations are poised to remain significant commercial hubs in the future.
Shahid Ashraf Tarar emphasized that Rawalpindi Railway Station is currently undergoing a comprehensive upgrade, and the surrounding areas are being developed to make it commercially viable. This initiative is expected to yield substantial revenues for all stakeholders involved.
In light of these developments, it is clear that while the strike in Karachi has disrupted train services, the broader vision of modernizing and commercializing railway stations may pave the way for a more robust and financially sustainable future for Pakistan Railways.