K-Electric restores power to Pakistan Railways after payment dispute

K-Electric (KE), Karachi’s primary electricity provider, restored power supply to Pakistan Railways on Wednesday after temporarily cutting the supply due to unpaid dues. The suspension of electricity was lifted after a court intervened and lifted a stay order, urging both parties to resolve the payment issue.

Officials from both sides, including the divisional superintendent of Pakistan Railways, are currently in negotiations at KE’s office to reach a solution.

The issue began when KE suspended electricity to Pakistan Railways’ colonies and installations due to outstanding dues of Rs 430 million related to 31 connections. Despite repeated reminders and assurances, Pakistan Railways failed to clear the payments, prompting KE to take action, stating that continued power supply without payment was unsustainable.

Earlier in the day, Nasir Khalili, the divisional superintendent of Pakistan Railways Karachi, said the power cuts had caused significant disruptions, including halting online ticket bookings and affecting daily train operations, which involve 38 passenger trains.

Khalili also pointed out that the Karachi division of Pakistan Railways generates Rs 50-60 million in daily revenue and accused KE of owing Rs 70 billion in unpaid dues over the past decade. He warned that further action, including withholding future bill payments, could be taken if the issue persists.