LAHORE: As many as 10 train accidents have been reported in the last 30 days alone, exposing the Pakistan Railways’ (PR) inability to control accidents by overcoming operational challenges. “You cannot imagine the situation that the PR has been facing for a long time. Though there are some improvements related to enhancing the revenues, provision of modern facilities at railway stations, refurbishment of coaches etc, the problems still persist in carrying out smooth train operations, safety of passengers, goods, crew and maintenance of the track, rolling stock and other things,” says an official requesting anonymity.
The official requested the railways minister to intervene and announce an operational emergency to fix the issues disrupting operations.
It is worth mentioning that as many as 10 derailments and accidents were reported from July 5 to August 5, disrupting train operations. On July 5, the Karachi-bound Shalimar Express derailed near Khanewal not only delaying the train but also disrupting operations. On July 10, the Yousafwala (Sahiwal) coal train derailed near Harrapa, blocking the upward rail traffic on the mainline. Similarly on July 19, the same train’s several coal-laden wagons derailed near Wahab Shah Station in Sindh, blocking both up and down tracks and rail traffic reportedly for over 24 hours. Several cranes and other machinery were used to clear the track on July 20.
A Bulleh Shah passenger train’s coach derailed in Lahore on July 20 while July 22 saw another major derailment when Hazara Exzpress’ four passenger coaches derailed near Karachi Cantt Railway station. This also led to disruption in operations on the mainline. On July 28, the Lahore-bound Tezgam Express derailed between Hyderabad-Kotri sections. This also led to disruption in the operations. The same day, Thal Express’s engine broke down near Muzaffargarh. July 29 witnessed another accident of the Yousafwala coal train at Jangshahi railway station as the driver, reportedly, failed to stop the train at the station and the train collided with the sandhump on the loopline.
On August 4, the Havailian-bound Hazara Express also met with an accident when its driver reportedly overshot and collided with the sandhump, causing loss of rolling stock and other infrastructure. Similarly, August 5 saw another derailment as the Bulleh Shah Passenger train derailed.
According to an initial investigation into the July 29 Yousafwala incident, the derailment occurred allegedly due to 23 dummy wagons -- wagons with insufficient brake system. The investigation team held the railways carriage and wagons department responsible.
“The core issues related to the PR train operations include faulty coaches and wagons, dilapidated railway track at various sections, human error, lack of adequate funds among other factors. It seems senior officers do not want to resolve these crucial issues,” commented another official while talking to Dawn. He said that due to frequent accidents, some passengers prefer to travel by road instead of putting their life at risk.
When contacted, PR Chief Executive Officer Hafeezullah said, “In various cases, human error is the main cause behind the incidents. Recently, we have suspended three officials for their negligence in this regard”. He said that the driver must follow the speed limits keeping in view the condition of the track and rolling stock. According to him, dummy coaches does not mean the coaches were not fit for the journey. “The train departs after being declared fit by the train examiner,” he explained.
He said the incidents related to theft from trains were also a problem, for this PR had increased the number of security staff. “We are also trying hard to overcome the shortage of material in a bid to ensure a safe train operation,” he concluded.
Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2026
