NAROWAL: The Lathani Express passenger train derailed on the Lahore-Narowal railway section, causing the suspension of two-way train traffic.

The train was en route from Lahore to Narowal-Sialkot when it derailed near Kot Mulchand railway station. All passengers were safe.

The derailment occurred when the wheels of bogie number four of the Lathani Express suddenly came off the tracks. As a result, two-way train traffic was halted. Passengers, including children, women and the elderly, faced difficulties due to the extreme heat and lack of drinking water. Passengers had to walk several kilometres in the hot weather to reach the nearest road.

On Jan 3, another train had derailed near Srirampura railway station.

Daily Passengers Association chairman Hafiz Abdul Qayyum said the track from Shahdara to Narang Mandi has deteriorated. He said trains, including the Allama Iqbal Express, operate at only 35 km/h on this section due to the poor track condition. Despite submitting over a dozen applications to railway authorities for track replacement, no action has been taken.

He expressed concerns that authorities might be waiting for a major accident before taking necessary measures.

According to railway sources, the technical department has issued orders to restore train movement soon.

Citizens and passengers have demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the railway chairman take immediate action to replace the Shahdara-Narowal rail track.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2024