CAPACITY BUILDING PLAN

FOR

TRAINING AND TRAINING PRACTICES

ON

PAKISTAN RAILWAYS
1.

TRAINING
Training of individuals of any organization, in view of changing global economy,
technology, and nature of work, to learn new skills and develop new abilities and
respond to these changes, is an integral part of Human Resource Development,
which, aims at to improve the performance of the organization by maximizing the
efficiency and performance of its people; develop the knowledge and skills; actions
and standards; motivation, incentives, attitudes and working environment

2.

TRAINING FACILITIES ON PAKISTAN RAILWAYS

Presently, following institutes are providing training to the officers and members of
the staff, belonging to various disciplines, on Pakistan Railways.

3.

Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton, Lahore

Railway Police Training School, Walton, Lahore

Accounts Training Centre, Walton, Lahore

Apprentice Training Centre (MET Centre) Workshops Division, Moghalpura,

Lahore
Technical Training Centre, Karachi Cantt.

Corrective Training Schools

PAKISTAN RAILWAYS ACADEMY, WALTON, LAHORE

Brief History
Pakistan Railways Academy was established as a Training School for North
Western Railway (NWR)s employees at Lyalpur, now Faisalabad, in
January 1925. This was shifted to present site on 8 th March 1929; and named
Walton Training School after Col. C.E. Walton, the then Agent (GM) of
NWR, Lahore.
In 1954, the United Nations Regional Railway Training Centre was
established by ECAFE (now ESCAP) in this school; and an Advanced
Railway Course was introduced for the participants from the Railways of
ESCAP, the Middle East and African Region.
In 1958, the Regional Railway Training Centre was taken over by
Government of Pakistan and renamed as Pakistan Inter- Regional Railway
Training College.
1

 In 1964, a Research and Development Cell was created in this institution;

which was renamed as Research and Development Centre in 1979.
In 1981, the Institute of Railway Management was transferred from Railway
Headquarters Office to this campus
In 1983, the Directorate of Research & Training was established by merging
all other institutions.
In 2000, this Directorate was renamed as Pakistan Railways Academy.

Walton Training School Prospectus and Rules Governing Recruitments,

Admission and Training of Staff
According to the Walton Training School Prospectus and Rules Governing
Recruitments, Admission and Training of Staff the Academy Curriculum
provides theoretical and practical instructions of three kinds.
I

Training Courses
a) For new recruits to the Railway Service, such as students, probationers
and apprentice etc.
b) For probationary officers in the
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
II.

Transportation (Traffic) and Commercial Branch

Pakistan Railway Service of Engineers
Transportation (Power) and Mechanical Branch
Signal Engineering Branch
Stores Branch
Personnel Branch
Electrical Branch
Promotion Courses
For certain categories of staff in order to enable them to cross
efficiency bars, where provided, or with a view to make them
suitable for promotion to higher grades, as found necessary.

III.

Refresher Courses
Periodical refresher courses every five years for certain categories of
staff upto the age of 45
The curriculum includes, where necessary, specialized lectures on
important aspects of Transportation, Commercial, Way & Works,
etc., by the officers of the Headquarters Office.

Session
The school session normally begins mid-September each year; it
normally ends in mid-July, thus enabling the school staff to have two
2

months free from lecturing. In this period, they are expected to tour
over the Pakistan Western Railways in order to ensure that they
remain up-to-date in their knowledge of Railway working. This
period also enables the school staff to revise the syllabi of the
various courses and to obtain leave which they have earned. As the
overhauling of plant and repairs cannot be carried out efficiently
while the school is full, recess provides the necessary opportunity for
this work to be done thoroughly.

Rules Governing Recruitment and Training of New Recruits to Railway

Service
Candidates for recruitment to be trained in this school, for any one of the
following groups, are advertised for in the Public Press; brief particulars
applicable to each category are set forth below:(i)

The Station Masters Group, i.e., Signallers, Assistant Station

Masters and Station Masters. Normally advertised once a year in
July for the course commencing mid-September.

(ii)

The Commercial Group, i.e., Goods, Booking, Luggage and

Parcel
clerks. Normally advertised twice a year. First in July for the
course commencing mid-September, and then in December for
the course commencing mid-February.

(iii)

Relief Clerks (Train Clerks and Ticket Collectors) Normally

advertised for twice a year, viz., in July and February

(iv)

Probationary Guards. Normally advertised for, once a year in

October

(v)

Boy Fireman. Advertised for, as required, from time to time

(vi)

Permanent-way Apprentices and Apprentice Assistant Inspectors

of Works and Inspectors of Works. Advertised for, as required,
from time to time

(vii)

Assistant Canvassers. Normally advertised for, once a year in

May

(viii)

Special Ticket Examiners and Ticket Collectors. Advertised for,

as required, from time to time.

Form of application.
Candidates are required to purchase a form of application, to be filled in by
them in their own handwriting, at a cost of Rs.1 obtainable from certain
important stations on the railway, which are specified in the advertisement.
A printed addressed cover is supplied free with each form which must be
completed by the applicant and the application submitted by registered post
and not personally.
Application must be supported by attested copies of the certificates of the
University, character, games, previous experience and training if any and
must reach the office of the Divisional Superintendent concerned or the
PWR Headquarters Office, as the case may be, by the specified date.
It was noticed, that the above contents of the Prospectus, though are
serving as guideline, are not being practiced in letter as well as spirit,
these days

Training of Railway Officers at PRA

The Specialized Training Courses for Traffic & Commercial Officers after
Common Training from the Civil Service Academy; and for officers belonging
to other disciplines, after selection through Federal Public Service Commission,
are arranged at this Academy, according to the following schedule.

Training Course for Probationary Officers of BS 17 at PRA

Department
Traffic & Commercial
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Signal & Telecom Engineering
Store & Purchase
Electrical Engineering

Training Course

Duration

T-14 /18
T-6
T-15
STC-500
T-19
T-22 (a)

39 Weeks
32 Weeks
52 Weeks
52 Weeks
26 Weeks
26 Weeks

A Sp
A special Promotion Course is also arranged at Academy for the members of
the staff for Promotion from BS -16 to BS -17

Department

Training Course

Duration

P-71

10 Weeks

All Departments

Training of Staff
Most of the students (400-500) at the Academy are the members of staff
belonging to all the disciplines of Pakistan Railways, who attend a long range of
Training, Promotion and Refresher Courses.

Other Training Courses

In addition to the above, following Courses are also arranged at this Academy.
Advanced Railway Courses
Organized by Pakistan Railways and funded by the Government of Pakistan,
Economic Affairs Division, for the participants from the Railways of AfroAsian, the Middle East and Asia Pacific Countries which are arranged at
Pakistan Inter-Regional Railway Training College in the Academy
Management / Capacity Building Course
For Officers of Pakistan Railways
Specially Designed Courses
For Senior Railway Officers as per directives and suggestions of Pakistan
Railways and Ministry of Railways

Methodology of Training
The training is imparted through class rooms, model rooms, having replica of
the actual systems in vogue on Pakistan Railways and in the fields by the
permanent instructors or officers from the Headquarters Office.

Other information about the Academy

Land / Area
Open Land Open Land Covered Area
Covered Area

Railway Academy
Police Academy
- Railway Academy
- Police Academy
Total Area

57 - Acres
9 - Acres
10 - Acres
1 - Acres
77 - Acres

Class Rooms / Model Rooms etc

Class Rooms
Model Rooms / Labs
Computer Labs

35
10
2

Auditorium
Library
Hostels
Hospital

1
1
9 for about 500 Students
1

Organogram
Following is the Organization Chart of the Academy

General Manager
Welfare & Training

Deputy Director
Finance &
Training

Joint Director
Electric &
Electronics

Joint Director
Signalling
& Telecom

Director General
Pakistan Railway
Academy
Assistant Director
Administration

Joint Director
Traffic

Joint Director
Civil
Engineering

Joint Director
Mechanical
Engineering

A senior medical officer is also posted at this academy

Faculty and Other Members of the Staff at PRA

Director General

Joint Directors

Assistant Directors

Instructors All Disciplines

28

Other Staff

118

Temporarily Engaged Mess Servants

42

Courses Scheduled During 2007-08

Type of Courses
Pre- Service

Number of Courses

Participants

34

510

Promotion
Refresher

73
59
166

1095
885
2490

Number of Courses

Participants

32
39
33
104

339
914
492
1745

Total

Courses Actually held during 2007-08

Type of Courses
Pre- Service
Promotion
Refresher
Total

4.

PAKISTAN RAILWAYS POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, WALTON,

LAHORE

Railway Police Training School is located in the premises of Pakistan

Railways Academy and is supervised by a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The school works under the overall control of Inspector General of Railway
Police.

Courses Arranged
Course

For

Recruit Course
Pre- Service Training Course
Lower School Course
Promotion Course

Duration

Newly Recruited
Constables
Promotion of Constables
as Head Constables

6 Months
6 Months

Lately Special Refresher Courses have also been introduced

Faculty and Other Members of the Staff

The Deputy Superintendent of Police is assisted by a number of Inspectorate
Staff for Instructions and Management.

Organogram

Deputy
Superintendent of
Police

Reserve Inspector

Chief Law
Instructor

Line Officer

Chief Drill
Instructor

5 - Prosecuting Inspectors, 3 - Assistant Sub Inspectors, 2 - Constables and 1 Finger Print Head Constable, work as Faculty Members under Chief Law
Instructor.

Infrastructure
Class Rooms (Old)

Class Rooms ( New)

Dining Hall
Hostel

5.

3
One
One

About 200 students can be trained in

this school at one point of time
56 Rooms to accommodate 150
students

PAKISTAN RAILWAY ACCOUNTS TRAINING CENTRE

Introduction
Pakistan Railways Accounts Training Centre is providing raining to:
Newly appointed Railw Accounts Departments Employees.
Prepares RADs Staff for Promotional Examinations.
RADs staff / officers to increase their skills and working abilities.

Organogram

FA & CAO

Director Training
(Deputy FA & CAO)

Deputy Director Training

Accounts Officer / Training

Assistant Accounts Officer

(PRATC)

The Accounts Officers are assisted by four Senior Auditors

8

Training Courses
Course - 1
Course - II
Course - III
Course 1V

For newly appointed / promoted BS -16 / 17 Officers

For SRAS Pt-II Candidates
For SRAS Pt-I Candidates
For newly appointed Junior Auditors / Senior Auditors

Courses held During 2007

S. No.

Period

Course

No. of Trainees

1-11-2006 to 28- 2-2007

Regular Course-III

10 Senior Auditors

15-1-2007 to 27- 1-2007

Crash Training Course-II

(Old Syllabus)

17 Senior Auditors

15-1-2007 to 27-1-2007

Crash Training Course-II

(New Syllabus)

18 Senior Auditors

15-3-2007 to 17-3-2007

Refresher Course

9 - 4-2007 to 2-6-2007

Special Course-III

9 -7-2007 to 8-9-2007

Special Course-III

7
8

6 -8-2007 t o 31-8-2007
5 -11-2007 to 10-11-2007

Special Course-II
Refresher Course

13 -12-2007 to 19-12-2007

Refresher Course

2 Accounts Officers
10 Assistant Accounts
Officers
8 Senior Auditors
15 Senior Auditors
2 Junior Auditors
7 Senior Auditors
7 Accounts Officers
6 Assistant Accounts
Officers

Course-IV was not arranged during 2007, as no new appointments of

Senior / Junior Auditors were made during this year.

Infrastructure
PRATC had its own building near DS Office, Lahore, but was shifted in the
Pakistan Railways Academy (PRA) in 2000. Since then it is facing space
problems.
Class Rooms
Only one class room (Room #13) is allotted to PRATC which is also in
very bad condition.
No proper furniture is available.
Computer Lab
No Computer Lab is available in PRATC which is urgently required
having 10-15 computers to give training to PRADs staff and SRAS Part-II
Trainees as Information Technology is one of the subjects they have to
study.
Presently, the facility available with PRA is being utilized for this purpose.

Offices
Space provided for office is too small to accommodate an AAO, three
Senior Auditors are accommodated and no space is available as Instructors
Office, Staff room and Store room
Lately the DG PRA has provided an additional room to ease the position
Hostel and Library
Presently 6 rooms are allotted to PRATC as hostel in Block-B of PRA
Hostels. Two out of these are being utilized as store and library room.

Faculty
Only one Accounts Officer / Instructor (BPS-17) is available in RATC.
Out of three positions of AO / Instructors, two have been transferred to
other offices.
Assistant Accounts Officer / RATC (Admn) is utilized as Instructor for
certain subjects.
PRATC needs Instructors for new subjects of SRAS Part - I and Part-II

Observations
The Training Centre, which was properly located at previous place, was
shifted to Pakistan Railways Academy without any planning and ensuring
availability of space and other facilities. Therefore inadequate training is
being provided to one of the most important organs of Pakistan Railways.

6.

PAKISTAN RAILWAYS APPRENTICES TRAINING CENTRE,

MOGHALPURA
This centre is commonly known as Mechanical Training Centre (MET) as well.

Brief History
A Training Centre in Pakistan Railways for providing skilled labour / workmen
and imparting technical education to supervisors for Mechanical Workshops
was a long felt requirement and a modest start was made in 1958 by establishing
Apprentices Training Centre in a temporary structure for Training of
Apprentices in various trades for appointment as skilled artisans and technical
supervisors. Later on, due to inadequate facilities in the set up, a new training

10

centre with a self contained workshop, class rooms, library, canteen and
residential hostel was built in 1964. The existing centre is fully equipped to
meet with the increasing demands for training personnel and impart training in
all the basics engineering trades.
Pakistan Railways Apprentice Training Centre is functioning as technical
institution in the workshops division, under the executive control of Mechanical
Engineer Training, a BS-18 officer, under the technical and administrative
guidance of the Divisional Superintendent Workshops, Moghalpura, with
qualified faculty comprises of B.Sc Engineering and Associate Engineer (DAE)
of different trades.
Originally, two Principal Courses were introduced, one for Trade Apprentices,
who on completion of their training were employed as skilled artisans and the
other for Apprentices Mechanics who were eventually employed as Supervisors.
With the development of Polytechnic Institutes throughout the country, the need
for training the supervisors was completely changed. The Apprentices Training
Centre now has the capacity, not only to cater for the need of the Workshops
Division but also for training personnel from other Divisions and outside
agencies like military etc.

Faculties
Senior Faculty
Designation
Divisional Superintendent Workshops
Mechanical Engineer Training
Foreman Training
Instructor (Drawing)
Instructor Diesel Fitter
Instructor Carriage & Wagon
Instructor Diesel Electric

Qualification
B. Sc Engineering
DAE (Mechanical)
B.Sc / MA (Islamiat)
DAE (Mech), B. Tech (Hon)

DAE (Mech)
DAE (Mech) DCD (Civil)
DAE (Diesel Electric)

Visiting Faculty
Designation
Works Manager, Loco Shops, Moghalpura
Works Manager Carriage & Wagon Shops, Moghalpura
Production Engineer Mechanical Workshops

Qualification
B. Sc Engineering
B. Sc Engineering
B. Sc Engineering

11

Works Manager / Construction

Works Manager / Manufacturing Carriage & Wagon
Shops, Moghalpura

B. Sc Engineering
DAE Mechanical

Infrastructure
The campus is situated at Moghalpura near Railway Workshops and spread
over an area of 16.68 acres. It comprises of three main blocks.
School Building
The centre has 8 class rooms for 400 students, a drawing hall, a library, a
model room and an administration block with two main playgrounds for
sports activities.
Workshops
It has basic technical training facilities such as electric, welding, blacksmith,
machine shop, ICE diesel fitter and air-condition and refrigeration
Hostel Building
Hostel facilities are available for accommodating 150 apprentices with mess
and kitchen facilities.

Present Training Policy

Apprentices Sub Engineers, with post Matriculation 3 years Diploma of
Associate Electrical / Mechanical Engineer from the Government Colleges of
Technology or equivalent, are recruited in Pakistan Railways. They are given
six months job / field training in their respective trades which is 20 %
theoretical and 80 % practical on the job training.
Trade Apprentices having qualification of Matriculation with one year / two
years Certificate in respective trades, from recognized institutions affiliated
with the Boards of Technical Education, are recruited as skilled apprentices.
They are given twelve/six months on the job training in the respective trades
which is 20 % theoretical and 80 % on the job training practical training.
Refresher Course for supervisory staff are also arranged to enhance their
communication, technical and interpersonal skills.
Promotion courses for Diesel Maintenance Staff are also organized for
Operating Division for unskilled and skilled staff.

12

Objectives of Training - For Sub Engineers (BS - 11)

To acquaint them with Railway Organization and Railway Working.

To familiarize them with Organizational Culture of Pakistan Railways.
To train them with specialized technical skill in accordance with the
Railway requirements
To prepare them to become a dependable supervisor to share and
shoulder the responsibilities to get qualitative and quantitative out put.
Objectives of Training - For Skilled Apprentices (BS - 6)

To familiarize the Skilled Apprentices with Railway Organization and

working.
To train them with specialized technical skill for which they have been
recruited.
To prepare them to meet with technical requirement of Pakistan Railways.

Method Of Training
Theoretical Training through Lectures

20 %

Practical Training

80%

Basic training at Apprentices Training Centre

Specialized Training at the Moghalpura Workshops on the job training in
their respective trades

Training Programmes at Apprentices Training Centre (ATC)

Course
Induction, Orientation Course & Field Training for
I
Ii
Iii
Iv

Sub Engineers Mechanical

Sub Engineers Diesel Mechanic
Sub Engineers Diesel Electric
Sub Engineer C & W (Train Examiner)

Field Training For Sub Engineer Electric

Training of Skilled Apprentices

A
For Workshops
B
For Operating Division
Refresher Courses For Supervisory Staff

Promotion Courses For Diesel Maintenance Unskilled And Skilled Staff

Promotion Courses for Diesel Maintenance Staff i.e. Electrical and Mechanical
Trades for Operating Divisions of Pakistan Railways as and when required

D-1 (Diesel Basic Course)

For Muawans To Semi-Skilled And Also For New Recruited Trade Apprentices
And Sub Engineers

Duration
6 Months
6 Months
6 Months
6 Months
3 Months

1 Year
6 Months
1-2 Weeks

2 Weeks

13

D-2 (Preliminary Mechanical Course)

For Semi-Skilled Fitter To Skilled Fitter

4 Weeks

D-3 (Higher Mechanical Course)

For Skilled Fitter To Mistry Also For Trade Apprentices And Sub Engineers

9 Weeks

D-4 (Preliminary Electrical Course)

For Semi-Skilled Wireman (Diesel) To Skilled Wireman (Diesel)

4 Weeks

10

D-5 (Higher Electrical Course)

For Skilled Wireman To Mistry And Also Electrician, Trade Apprentices, Sub
Engineers etc

9 Weeks

List of Trades
S. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

Trades
Moulder
Cast Iron Moulder (Foundry)
Painter
Black Smith
Coach Builder
Mill Wright
Steel Re-Roller
Welder
Pattern Maker
Machinist
I.C. Engine Fitter
Armature Winder
Refrigerator Mechanic
Tool Maker
Steel Melter
Power Wireman
T. L. Wireman
Diesel Wireman
Boiler Maker

Apprentices Trained Since 1971

Year
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986

No. of Apprentices
19
34
113
96
124
194
203
160
242
187
162
116
212
40

14

1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

69

73
73
44
159
96

7.

TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE PAKISTAN RAILWAYS, KARACHI

CANTT

Background
The Technical Training Centre, situated at Karachi Cantt. was established in 1957
and is imparting technical training to the Locomotive Operating Staff i.e. Train
Drivers, Shunters, Assistant Drivers and Firemen. It is also training the Diesel
Engine Maintenance Staff of all the Operating Divisions of Pakistan Railways.

Administrative Control
The school is under the administrative control of Divisional Superintendent,
Pakistan Railways, Karachi Division through Divisional Mechanical Engineer-I,
and controlled by an Assistant Mechanical Engineer, Training.

Organogram
The Organization Chart of Technical Training Centre is as under.

15

Detail Of
Promotional Courses
S. No.

1
2

D-1
D-2

D-3

D-4

D-5

T-4 ( M)

T - 4 ( E)

8
9

D4/20/30
Refresher
Course

Course & Category

Duration

Basic Diesel Trade Course Mechanical/Electrical

Elementary Mechanical Promotion Course from Helper to
Semi Skilled Fitter
Higher Mechanical Promotion Course from Fitter to
Mistry
Elementary Electrical Promotion Course from Helper to
Semi Skilled Wireman
Higher Electrical Promotion Course from Wireman to
Wireman Mistry
Mechanical Training Course for Apprentice Assistant
Drivers
Mechanical Electrical Training Course for Apprentice
Assistant Drivers
P-9-L Qualified Drivers Directed From Divisions Of P.R.
Refresher Course (For Drivers, Dy. Drivers & Assistant
Drivers before their 3rd yearly competency test.

2 weeks
4 weeks
9 weeks
4 weeks
9 weeks
5 weeks
5 weeks
8 days
3 weeks

Infrastructure
Class Rooms
School has six rooms.
Building of Hostel
Presently 12 rooms and a mess having the capacity for 20-25 are available
Model Room
Model Room is equipped:
With sectional view of all aspects of Locomotive of two stroke and four stroke
Diesel Engine.

16

 Air Brake rigging system is connected to electrically driven compressor to give a

practical demonstration to the trainees/students.
Main parts of Diesel Engine such as crank shaft, cam shaft, cylinder liner and
others are kept for practical training of operating & maintenance staff.
The Models of DPU 20/30 Chinese Locomotives, recently inducted in P.R.
System, are being arranged.
Library
There are almost three thousand books in the library of Technical Training Centre.
Out of which two thousand books are about Trouble Shooting Maintenance
Instructions, Operating Manuals and rest of the books cover general mechanical
engineering topics. The seating capacity of library is 20.

Problems
Facilities like TV Lounge, Water Coolers, IT Equipment, , Audio Visual Aids,
librarian are not available.
Three rooms have been declared out of service
The Instructors are neither adequate nor properly qualified
There is no Driver Instructor available.

9.

CORRECTIVE TRAINING SCHOOLS FOR LOCOMOTIVE

RUNNING STAFF
Corrective Training Schools for locomotive Running Staff are available at almost
all the important Locomotive Sheds on Pakistan Railways to impart Corrective
Training to the Locomotive Running Staff who fails to discharge their duties
according to rules and regulations or found deficient by the Supervisory Staff. In
addition to that Refresher Courses are also arranged at these schools for drivers,
assistant drivers and shunters. The detail of these schools is given below.

Corrective Training Schools

Location

Kundian Locomotive Shed.

Rawalpindi Locomotive Shed.
Malikwal Locomotive Shed.
Lahore Locomotive Shed.
Faisalabad Locomotive Shed.

Division
Peshawar
Rawalpindi
Lahore

17

Khanewal Locomotive Shed.

Samasata Locomotive Shed.

Multan

Rohri Locomotive Shed.

Sukkur

Quetta Locomotive Shed.

Sibi Locomotive Shed.
Kotri Locomotive Shed.
Technical Training Centre Karachi Cant

10.

TRAINING COURSES

Quetta
Karachi

FOR SENIOR RAILWAY OFFICERS

Following are the Training Course which the Senior Officers have to attend as a prerequest for promotion to next Scale / Grade

Category / Grade of
Officers
Promotion Course
From BS-20 to BS-21

Promotion Course
From BS-19 to BS-20

Department

Name of Training
Course

All Departments

National
Management Course

All Departments

Senior Management
Course

Promotion Course
From BS-18 to BS-19

Promotion Course
From BS-17 to BS-18
Pre - Service Course
For BS -17
(Probationers)
Pre - Service Course
For BS -17
(Probationers)
Pre - Service Course
For BS -17
(Probationers)
Pre - Service Course
For BS -17
(Probationers)
Pre - Service Course
For BS -17
(Probationers)
BS-17 (Probationers)
Promotion Course
BS-16 to BS-17
BS-18 Officers

All Departments

Mid Career
Management Course

All Departments

No Course

Transportation
Traffic &
Commercial

T-14 /18

Civil Engineering

T-6

Mechanical
Engineering

T-15

Institution
National Management College,
Lahore
( Pakistan Administrative Staff
College)
National Management College,
Lahore
(National Institutes of Public
Administration)
National Institute of Management
Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and
Peshawar
National Institutes of Public
Administration)
-

Duration

5 Months

5 Months

10 Weeks

Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton

One Year
Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton

Signal &
Telecom
Engineering

One Year
Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton
One Year
Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton
One Year

STC-300
Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton

Store & Purchase

T-19

Electrical
Engineering

T-22 (a)

All Departments

Promotion Course
P-71

All Departments

Advanced Course

One Year
Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton
Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton
Pakistan Railways Academy, Walton
(PIRRTC)

One Year
10 Weeks
13 Weeks

18

19

CAPACITY BUILDING PLANS

In the preceding pages, the detail of present training practices and facilities for
training on Pakistan Railways have been discussed which is based on the
documented information, reference books, visits and discussions with officers and
officials, attached with training and training institutes; and the trainees themselves.
Accordingly on the following pages a few suggestions are being given, which, can
be planned out for implementation.
The training imparted in various Railway Institutions, is purely technical in
accordance with the Rules and Regulations and directives from Pakistan Railways,
given from time to time concerning Railway Working and its Operations.
Instruction Books for use of particular Technology or apparatuses introduced on the
Railway system are also the part of syllabi at these training institutions.
Therefore, this training, instead of opening the outlook of trainees restricts them to
follow the rules for safe train operation and an environment of discipline to achieve
the same. The human and humane part of Human Resource Development and
Management seems missing which should be created.
1. DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Provision of quality infrastructure for imparting effective and quality training to
the members of an organization, is a prerequisite, to play their role for the
achievement of its objectives. Therefore development of infrastructure should
get foremost priority of any capacity building plan.

2. REGULAR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

The administration wing, academic block, hostels and residentional area should
be regularly maintained on periodical basis to avoid any serious damage to the
same, warranting major repairs, at any point of time; and also provide proper
environment for the students and members of the staff.

20

For this purpose it is also necessary that the responsibility and prioritization of
the same should be with the Head of the Academy which presently is being
done by the Headquarters Office.
In addition to the routine maintenance of infrastructure of the Academy, there
are other areas for improvement which either have been postponed or not
initiated at all. These have been briefly touched below.
3. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIALIZED TRAINING INSTITUTE /
CENTRE / ACADEMY FOR DIRECTLY RECRUITED OFFICERS
Presently, no such facility is available on Pakistan Railways for this purpose as
is the case of other departments and occupational groups.
After being selected by the Federal Public Commission, the officers belonging
to occupational Groups completing their training at the Civil Services Academy;
and others, without such training, are directed to the Pakistan Railways
Academy for Specialized Technical Training, concerning their discipline.
In this regard, it has markedly been noticed that the standard of boarding and
lodging and training facilities is far low as compared to what is available at
similar training institutions for other groups.They are housed in one of the
hostels, slightly attended as to the hostels for the staff. Without any facilities to
groom the future managers of any organization, which, quietly start injecting an
element of frustration, dissatisfaction, agitation and implied desire to leave the
organization, instead of owning it, is the resultant state of mind. The loyalty
towards the organization, since you have been allocated or joined the same,
should not be taken as granted.
This issue should be taken up on priority by the Railway Administration and
separate unit of training facilities as is available to other groups, should be
built at any suitable place in the premises of Pakistan Railway Academy.

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This should also be done in case of Pakistan Railway Accounts Training Centre,
to avoid frustration among the members of the staff as well as the trainees. At
least they should get what they were having eight years ago.
4. PROVISION OF HIGH TECH EQUIPMENT FOR TRAINING
Provision of high tech audio visual aids and IT equipment in any training
institute are necessary for effective communication due to continuous induction
of high tech equipment in the organization. These should be provided on
priority to all the training institutions of PR.
5. IMPROVEMENT OF THE LIBRARIES
Print Medium still has its importance while imparting training; and the books
are the best example. Therefore, the libraries at all the training centres should be
provided and improved under the supervision of qualified librarians.
6. IMPROVEMENT OF MODEL ROOMS AND EQUIP THESE
MODERN LEVEL

AT

The improvement of model rooms and labs should be a continuous process in

accordance with the changes / improvements in the Railways System in the
areas of Railway Operations, Locomotives, Carriages, Wagons, Signalling and
Telecommunication.
7. TRANSPORT FACILITIES
The road vehicles provided at the training centres for official use of the
students, staff and officers are either quite old or not available at all. All the
training centres should be provided with road transport for field trips etc. The
old fleet of road vehicles should be replaced gradually.
8. HOSTELS FOR WOMEN
According to the new recruitment policy, the reserved quota for the women is
increasing and they are being recruited in almost all the categories of Pakistan
Railways. They have to undergo training in the training institutions at all stages,
especially, at the Pakistan Railways Academy. However there is no separate
accommodation available for them; and a lot of difficulties are being

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experienced in this regard. Therefore to begin with, a hostel exclusively for the
women should be constructed in the Academy.
9. MEDICAL FACILITIES
As a large number of students are attending training centres, therefore provision
of reasonable medical facilities and staff is in the larger interests of the
participants attending training courses especially at PRA is necessary.
10. ADEQUATE ACCOMMODATION
Apparently the accommodation facilities, in the training centres are considered
adequate but due to bunching of courses, at times, these are congested.
Therefore these should be rationally increased keeping in view the peak
requirement and avoid over crowding.
11. TRAINING OF TRAINERS / QUALIFIED INSTRUCTING STAFF
Presently the directing / instructing staff and officers are selected for the
training centres from amongst the permanent members of the regular staff of
Pakistan Railways. They are engaged for training without attending any
trainers course. Therefore, at times, inspite of being competent, they are not
able to fully communicate and impart training effectively. Therefore it is
necessary that their capacity to teach should be enhanced either by getting
them trained at any suitable training institutes or having a liaison with the
one which can impart such training in the railway training centres.
12. TRAINING OBJECTIVES
In the present system of tainting, the major objective of trainee is to get through
the examination after a training course. The very objectives of training for self
development, personal growth potential and enhance the self worth towards
the achievement of organizations goal are left behind. This attitude should be
changed by overhauling the present training system without compromising the
primary objective of preparing the people for safe and efficient train operation.

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13. ADMINISTRATIVE TRAINING

Presently no administrative training is provided either to the staff or the officers.
The officers of the Traffic / Commercial Group have some insight in the subject
as they have 8-10 months training at the Civil Services Academy, whereas other
officers lack this opportunity. There is need that a brief course on the subject
should be designed and introduced as a module for all who attend PRA.
14. CUSTOMERS HANDLING TRAINING
Pakistan Railways is a service department dealing with a large number of
customers (passengers and traders) but they are not trained to deal with them, in
any of the training centres including PRA. This is equally important for building
the image of the organization; therefore such courses should also be designed
and introduced especially in the PRA.

15. DURATION OF PROBATION / TRAINING

Over the period the training period of all the officers of different disciplines has
been reduced (from two years to almost one year). However, it still varies from
discipline to discipline. This should be rationalized and a uniform policy for all
the officers should be adopted. However this should not be compromised with
the quality of the training as it has to go a long way for deliverance by the
officers.
16. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Presently the Research and Development are not being undertaken at Pakistan
Railway Academy for want of facilities required for the same. This is a grey
area which has to be developed by augmenting the facilities for this purpose.
17. CONTROL OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING INSTITUTES
General Manager (Welfare and Training) has been posted on Pakistan Railways.
This administrative change demands that all the Training Facilities and allied
matters should be under one umbrella for effective deliverance of the training
with a uniform policy.

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Similarly all the Training Centres at the Pakistan Railways Academy should
be under one person i.e. the Director General / PRA for a coordinated
delivery within the available resources which can be pooled for this purpose.
18. OBJECTIVE ORIENTED EFFECTIVE SYLLABI
TRAINING OF OFFICERS AND STAFF

FOR THE

The training imparted at the Academy is primarily for the railway operation in
accordance with the Rules, Manuals (Standard Operating Procedures) and
Instructions / Maintenance Reference Books received with the new equipment
and technology.
However, in addition to that, new and modern concepts of training to
enhance the productivity of workers as well as officers by changing training
environment should be developed in cooperation with other HRD specialized
institutions.
The revision of the Syllabi is a continuous process at this Academy, which is
mostly demand oriented, in line with the actual working on the Railway
System. However in case of officers of the occupational group, the syllabus
has been updated in line with the railway working, directives from the
Federal Public Service Commission; and lately from the National School of
Policy Management. The syllabi of the officers belonging to other disciplines
are also re-orientated in consultation with the Technical Heads of the
respective Departments and the Ministry of Railways.
Therefore to keep the directing staff updated plans should be made to expose
them to these developments, both inside or outside the country.
19. DEGREE PROGRAMME FOR OFFICERS
The officers, after allocation to Pakistan Railways, undergo almost one year
specialized training in the Pakistan Railways Academy, including field training.
To make full use of this training, it would be appropriate, that after completing
this training they should awarded a Masters Degree in their respective discipline.
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In this regard PR should coordinate with the University of Engineering &

Technology and National Management College for determining a criterion to
satisfy them to do so. As we were informed, some progress has been made in
case of members of occupations group.

20. PRIVATE PUBLIC COOPERATION

Pakistan Railways has huge training infrastructures over the system and no
doubt making best use of it. However the training is through the staff and
officers selected from the Pakistan Railways; and no new blood is inducted
in resulting a limited / professional vision of the trainees and many a
concepts which should have been the part of training for an organization like
Pakistan Railways, are ignored. This is mainly for the reason that the
Railway training institutions do not have the paraphernalia for the same. This
can be resolved if PR approaches some organization to enter into a Private
Public Cooperation by joining hands together to train the railways staff and
officers in line with the new concepts of HRD to make them and effective
member of the organization to deliver the maximum.

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