Balochistan trains will have 22 security personnel each

Security for trains in Balochistan has been increased, according to Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. This change comes after recent tragic incidents involving train safety. During a discussion in the National Assembly, Kayani explained that each train traveling to Balochistan will now have 22 security personnel on board. This includes 11 officers from the Railway Police and 11 from the Frontier Corps. Previously, 13 personnel were assigned to each train. The minister also mentioned upgrades to security at the Quetta Railway Station. New fencing, walk-through gates, and scanners will improve passenger safety. He noted that a bomb disposal squad is in place and working to enhance its capabilities. Sniffer dogs are being used to check the trains heading to Balochistan as an additional safety measure. Kayani highlighted financial gains for Pakistan Railways through privatization. Revenue rose significantly, from Rs3.36 billion to Rs6.21 billion—an increase of nearly 85%. He credited public-private partnerships for these improvements, which also boosted passenger satisfaction. A digital platform called RABTA has been introduced to enhance customer services, and pay-to-use washrooms have been installed for convenience. Key trains, like the Hazara Express and Khyber Mail, have seen catering service improvements and renovations. Furthermore, Kayani announced plans to outsource commercial management for additional trains, aiming for greater efficiency and revenue. He reported that train punctuality has improved significantly, rising from 63% in 2019 to 82% in 2025. Despite these advancements, Kayani pointed out challenges ahead. He noted that Pakistan Railways operates on an aging track network of over 10,600 km, which complicates maintenance and repairs. This outdated infrastructure contributes to operational inefficiencies.