THURSDAY morning’s devastating train wreck in Karachi — the third crash in less than two months — should serve as a wake-up call for the railways authorities. In September, two separate train accidents had occurred on the same day — one near Multan, the other in Fateh Jang — resulting in a number of casualties. The loss of precious lives should prompt some soul-searching in this key ministry, so that Pakistan’s railway infrastructure can be made safer. Over 20 fatalities have been confirmed in Thursday’s crash involving two passenger trains, one of them stationary, near the Landhi station. There were conflicting reports in the media about what could have caused the crash; a Sindh government official said the moving train was given the green signal by mistake. However, the railways’ minister, in reported comments, blamed the drivers for not following directions. As said countless times in such cases, a thorough, meaningful probe should be initiated to ascertain the exact details that led to the crash.

It would be callous and irresponsible for officials of the railways ministry to simply express regret over the tragedy, announce a probe and compensation for the victims, and then move on to business as usual. Considering the frequency of such accidents, and the loss of life, what is required is a determined resolve from the officials to ensure that maximum precautions are taken to prevent such tragedies. Perhaps the ministry should conduct a thorough safety audit of railways’ infrastructure and equipment so that it can identify the lacunae that allow such accidents to occur. It is, in fact, quite surprising that few such efforts have been undertaken to make the railways safer. Secondly, a modernisation programme for Pakistan Railways’ colonial-era system is essential. While some steps have been taken in this direction, the pace remains glacial. The railways are a vital mode of transportation, especially for the average person in Pakistan. The nation deserves a network that is affordable, efficient and, above all, safe.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2016