Pakistan Railways has announced a ban on air travel for its officials as part of a broader effort to reduce government expenditure and implement austerity measures. Under the new directives, officials will be required to use rail services for official tours instead of travelling by air or using government vehicles.
According to the notification issued on Saturday, no payments will be made to officials under the air travel expense category. The decision aims to limit travel-related spending and encourage the use of Pakistan Railways’ own transportation services for official assignments.
The department has also restricted the use of government vehicles for official travel. Under the new instructions, officials must travel by train when undertaking official tours, reinforcing the policy of prioritizing rail transport over other modes of transportation.
The directives were issued with the approval of all chief executive officers and senior general managers, indicating that the measures apply across the department’s administrative structure.
The move comes as government institutions face increasing pressure to control operational costs and ensure the efficient use of public funds. Travel expenses, including airline tickets, vehicle fuel, and transportation arrangements, can contribute significantly to departmental expenditure.
By requiring officials to travel by train, Pakistan Railways is seeking to align its administrative practices with its core operations. The policy could also encourage greater use of the national railway network for official journeys, although its overall financial impact will depend on implementation and travel requirements.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has declared an emergency across the department on the instructions of Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. The measure has been introduced to strengthen oversight and ensure the safe operation of trains.
Railway safety remains a critical responsibility for the department, as train operations involve coordination among staff, maintenance teams, station personnel, and other operational units. An emergency directive can help bring attention to safety procedures and the need for effective monitoring across the network.
The austerity measures and the department-wide emergency address two important areas of railway administration: financial discipline and operational safety. While the travel restrictions focus on reducing expenses, the emergency declaration highlights the importance of maintaining safe and reliable train services.
The latest decisions reflect the department’s efforts to manage its resources while prioritizing the functioning of the national railway system. Further details about the duration of the restrictions, any possible exemptions, and the specific operational steps being taken under the emergency declaration were not included in the provided report.
The implementation of these directives will determine how effectively Pakistan Railways can control official travel costs while maintaining administrative efficiency and safe train operations throughout the country.