Railways recorded more than 55 accidents involving passenger and freight trains since January 1
LAHORE:
Pakistan Railways (PR) has imposed an emergency across the department on the instructions of Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to ensure safe train operations.
According to a statement issued by PR headquarters in Lahore on Saturday, all leave for field officers had been cancelled for three months.
“Officers have also been directed to visit the field and supervise train operations on Sundays. Railway officers have been required to travel by train when visiting other cities for official duties,” it said.
The statement further added that chief engineers of the civil and mechanical departments would submit daily reports to the ministry on their respective areas of responsibility, while daily reports had also been sought from the head of safety.
The emergency measures will remain in force until December 31.
“We will provide passengers with the safest possible travel in line with the prime minister’s vision,” Abbasi said.
Railways log over 55 accidents this year
On October 17, Abbasi visited the Steel and Carriage Shops in Mughalpura, where he inspected production facilities and directed officials to ensure quality standards in the manufacturing of railway components.
During his visit to the Mughalpura Steel Shop, the minister inspected the electric arc furnace and reviewed the spectro laboratory responsible for testing parts manufactured in the furnace.
Railways recorded more than 55 accidents involving passenger and freight trains since January 1, raising concerns over railway safety, maintenance standards and the effectiveness of measures announced to prevent mishaps.
The accidents have reportedly left several people dead and dozens injured, while also causing millions of rupees in damage to railway infrastructure. Repeated incidents have fuelled fear among passengers, some of whom say travelling by train remains a necessity despite the risks.
Passengers have questioned how they can avoid railway travel when it remains an essential mode of transport for them. The frequency of accidents has also raised questions about the implementation of safety measures under the directions of the railways minister.
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Despite the minister’s strict instructions, accidents have continued to occur, while railway officials have reportedly continued to provide reassuring assessments of the situation. The recurring incidents have placed the department’s safety and maintenance arrangements under scrutiny.
According to railway sources, passenger and freight trains have been involved in more than 55 accidents of varying severity since the beginning of the year. The Yusufwala coal train has reportedly been involved in several accidents.
On August 27, 10 wagons of a freight train derailed near Khanpur. On the same day, the engine and two coaches of the Rawal Express went off the tracks near Kala Gujran.
On September 27, the Yusufwala coal train met with an accident near Khairpur.
Earlier, on September 9, three wagons of a coal-laden freight train derailed at Kotri yard. On September 2, the power van of the Khyber Mail derailed near Sanjani.
Another coal train accident occurred on September 6, when seven wagons went off the tracks. These incidents add to a series of mishaps involving freight operations, with railway sources identifying the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions among the areas where most train accidents have occurred.
On May 24, a shuttle train in Quetta was targeted in an act of sabotage, damaging three coaches. The Rahman Baba Express also suffered a major accident in the Multan division, further highlighting the range of incidents affecting railway operations.
