THE initial findings of the investigation into the recent train accident in Sindh suggest the possibility of a fault in the locomotive, broken tracks, and/or damaged fishplates. As per procedure, a detailed probe by the federal government inspector of railways (FGIR) should expose the real reasons for the tragedy that resulted in over 30 deaths.

However, it is painful that despite several such rail accidents and scores of deaths, all governments and railway administrations have been consistent in their apathy. Over the past two decades, the operational and safety standards of this vital service have fallen apart.

For instance, 74 perished in the Tezgam blaze some years ago, and in April, a fire on the Karachi Express took seven lives. Successive railway ministers have resorted to customary lip service, lamenting the loss of life and promising an inquiry and accountability but doing little else.

The new escape route for the authorities is the ML-1. When our politicians run out of convincing ways to present false narratives, they concoct a defence with references to CPEC projects as the ultimate saviour. But what is actually needed are numerous far-reaching steps to put the railways back on track, starting at the top. The train service can only be safe, enjoyable, dependable and affordable if and when the institution that manages it is technically sound, financially viable and socially responsive.

A glance at data from Pakistan Railways yearbooks and other official records indicates many ailments. For instance, the 2021-22 report shows extensive inspections carried out by the FGIR in the previous fiscal year, but how many of them helped make train journeys safe and comfortable? Foolproof safety records require targeted capacity building of the FGIR. The annual report also shows expenditure figures — PR spends more on pensions than salaries. Therefore, the financial burden of pensioners is likely to overwhelm development costs.

Over 90pc of freight in Pakistan moves via road and highways.

In addition, no one knows whether any attempt was made to evolve a pension endowment fund or if actuarial studies were carried out to arrive at a financial solution. Although development and repair works are logged with substantial financial outlays, it is unclear how these have improved services.

Moreover, several departmental performance indicators merit a response from the railway authorities. The two essential services delivered by the railways are passenger and freight movement. Ordinarily, passenger service is subsidised by surplus revenue from freight transportation. But data reveals an increase in passenger revenue and a decline in freight returns in 2022.

Studies by IFIs say over 90 per cent of freight in Pakistan moves via road and highways. With a rise in regional trading opportunities, PR must significantly enhance its market share in this vital component of transport service.

Connectivity with dry ports, container terminals, major agricultural procurement destinations, manufacturing hubs, market towns, etc, can certainly shore up revenues as medium and long-distance freight transportation by train has lower fuel consumption, and can be 10 times cheaper than other modes of transportation.

Transportation insurance, safety records and handling are also some of the aspects where the railways can perform better. However, the department has to elevate its performance drastically to compete successfully with other transport services.

Our first interface with the railways is at the train stations. Many of them are in a dilapidated state, with no clean drinking water or other amenities for pass­e­ngers’ comfort and safety. The facilitation hardware for routine operations and maintenance too is in a shambles. Present infrastructure thresholds include internet and Wi-Fi connectivity, both in stations as well as in trains.

Even though station masters and other staff concur with these observations, they expressed their helplessness as such large-scale interventions can only be initiated by the senior management. Hence, a leadership committed to radical reforms with progressive ideas and implementation capacity is needed to resuscitate the performance, credibility and image of our railways. Cosmetic modifications are futile.

The foremost issue pertains to political will for extensive restructuring. At present, this appears difficult to achieve as the administration is inclined to auction railway lands. These had been reserved for the operational needs of the system at various locations.

The railways are a matter of public debate; civil society should assert that governments must prioritise the transformation of a vital department and encourage private sector participation to innovate and establish a proper regulatory structure to modernise rail travel and transport.

The writer is an academic and researcher based in Karachi.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023