KARACHI: Pakistan Railways has clarified its railway ticket-checking process after reports created confusion about the role of Railway Police. Officials said police personnel will not independently check or penalize passengers traveling without tickets.
Instead, Railway Police will work alongside commercial checking teams to control ticketless travel. The new instructions clearly separate the responsibilities of police officials and railway commercial staff.
Pakistan Railways issued the clarification after approval from the Chief Executive Officer and Senior General Manager. Meanwhile, the Railway Commercial Branch sent detailed instructions to the AIG Operations of Railway Police.
The letter explains how Railway Police will participate in Railway Ticket Checking operations across trains and railway stations. Police personnel can report any irregularity that they notice during train journeys.
However, they will inform the relevant ticket checking staff instead of taking unilateral action. Commercial officials will continue to perform their primary ticket-checking responsibilities.
Railway Police can also participate in joint operations with commercial teams. These combined checks will mainly target passengers who travel without valid tickets.
Furthermore, the Chief Commercial Manager’s Office will prepare a weekly program for joint Railway Ticket Checking operations. Officials will coordinate these activities with the relevant DIG of Railway Police before conducting checks.
Pakistan Railways has also instructed special Railway Police teams to support ticket examiners during enforcement activities. These teams will work closely with Traveling Ticket Examiners during train journeys.
In addition, Railway Police will coordinate with commercial branch officials, ticket checkers and station managers. The authorities expect this teamwork to strengthen the railway’s efforts against ticketless travel.
Officials have also planned regular surprise checks at selected railway stations and on identified trains. As a result, passengers may see joint teams conducting inspections without prior notice.
The latest Railway Ticket Checking instructions also allow officials to take action against people who obstruct railway staff during official duties. Authorities will deal with such cases according to applicable laws and railway regulations.
At the same time, railway management has instructed police personnel to maintain discipline during checking operations. Officials have also asked them to perform their duties fairly, honestly and responsibly.
Special teams will continue both planned and surprise checking operations. However, they will conduct these activities in coordination with the relevant commercial and railway authorities.
The railway administration believes stronger Ticket Checking can reduce revenue losses caused by passengers who travel without tickets. Consequently, officials hope the joint approach will improve fare collection.
Ticketless travel directly affects railway revenue because passengers use services without paying the required fare. Therefore, Pakistan Railways wants commercial staff and Railway Police to work together more effectively.
Officials also believe the new approach can create a more organized travel environment. Moreover, regular checks can encourage passengers to purchase valid tickets before boarding trains.
However, the latest clarification makes one important point clear. Railway Police have not gained full control of the ticket-checking system.
Instead, commercial officials will continue to lead Railway Ticket Checking, while Railway Police will provide support during inspections and enforcement activities. This arrangement aims to prevent confusion over the authority of different railway departments.
The clarification also addresses earlier reports suggesting Railway Police had taken over ticket-checking responsibilities. Railway authorities said police teams have only a supporting role in the new system.
Therefore, Traveling Ticket Examiners, ticket checkers and other commercial employees will continue performing their usual duties. Meanwhile, Railway Police will assist them whenever security or enforcement support becomes necessary.
The special checking teams may also identify suspicious activities during train journeys. In such cases, they can immediately inform commercial staff and help them handle the situation according to railway rules.
Pakistan Railways expects joint Railway Ticket Checking operations to improve coordination between different departments. At the same time, officials want these checks to reduce irregularities on trains and at stations.
The authorities also want passengers to follow railway rules and purchase proper tickets before traveling. Therefore, the new system focuses on cooperation rather than giving one department complete control.
Officials said these measures aim to increase railway income and reduce ticketless journeys. Moreover, better coordination can help create a smoother and more disciplined experience for passengers.
The latest clarification confirms that Railway Police cannot independently act against passengers simply for traveling without a ticket. Instead, they must work with authorized commercial officials in such cases.
For now, Pakistan Railways will continue joint and surprise Railway Ticket Checking operations on selected trains and at selected stations. Officials hope the coordinated system will protect railway revenue while ensuring fair, organized enforcement.
