FC Teams Up with Pakistan Railways – Anti-Encroachment Drive & Islamabad–Rawalpindi Shuttle Announced

Interior Ministry Deploys FC Force to Secure Pakistan Railways, Plans New Islamabad–Rawalpindi Shuttle Service

LAHORE: In a major move to safeguard vital rail infrastructure, the Interior Ministry has agreed to deploy Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel to Pakistan Railways (PR) for enhanced track protection, recovery of valuable commercial land from illegal occupants, and removal of encroachments through joint operations in key urban centers.

During a high-level meeting at PR headquarters on Monday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi of full support in clearing encroachments and tightening security around trains, tracks, and rolling stock.

“We are prepared to provide FC troops to conduct coordinated operations and recover railway land from encroachers in major cities,” Mr. Naqvi said.

The meeting also addressed passenger service improvements. Both ministries agreed to introduce Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) shuttle trains between Islamabad and Rawalpindi to provide fast, modern and efficient travel for commuters between the twin cities. Senior Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials are expected to coordinate with railway authorities to finalize the project plan.

New DMU Shuttle to Enhance Twin-City Travel

According to senior PR officials, the DMU will feature two compact locomotives with 4–5 air-conditioned coaches, offering seating for nearly 400 passengers. The modern design aims to provide frequent departures, shorter journey times, and improved onboard comfort.

Railway Minister Abbasi also briefed the interior minister on ongoing station upgrades at Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Okara and Khanewal. Security measures nationwide — especially in Balochistan — were reviewed in detail. Mr. Naqvi reaffirmed:

“Every possible step will be taken to ensure foolproof security for railway tracks, stations, and trains. Passenger safety remains my highest priority.”

Anti-Encroachment Operations and Rolling Stock Overhaul

After the meeting, Mr. Abbasi confirmed to Dawn that coordinated operations with FC personnel would soon begin to recover railway’s commercial land and clear illegal structures. PR CEO Aamir Ali Baloch, IG Railway Police Rai Tahir, and other senior officers were also present during the briefing.

Separately, the railway minister expressed dissatisfaction with the mechanical department’s slow progress on maintaining locomotives and coaches. Stressing transparency, he directed officials to avoid purchasing spare parts without independent third-party evaluations and warned that no shortcomings would be tolerated:

“Rolling stock is the lifeline of railways. All necessary steps must be taken to keep it in top condition — nothing should be swept under the carpet.”