Pakistan Railways has ordered field inspections, Sunday operational supervision and daily safety reporting as part of an emergency drive to prevent train accidents.
Pakistan Railways has declared an emergency across the department and cancelled field officers’ leave until Dec. 31 following instructions from Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to strengthen train safety and prevent further accidents.
According to an official statement issued by the department’s headquarters in Lahore on Saturday, officers have been directed to visit railway sites and supervise train operations on Sundays. The measures are intended to strengthen operational monitoring and improve safety across the railway network.
The department has also instructed railway officers travelling to other cities on official assignments to use trains. Chief engineers of the civil and mechanical departments must submit daily reports to the ministry on their respective areas of responsibility, while daily safety reporting has been made mandatory.
Abbasi said the department would work to provide passengers with the safest possible travel experience in line with the prime minister’s vision.
The emergency measures come amid concerns over repeated accidents involving passenger and freight trains. Railway sources have reported more than 55 accidents of varying severity since Jan. 1, resulting in fatalities and injuries, financial losses and damage to railway infrastructure.
The incidents have raised questions about track maintenance, operational supervision and the effectiveness of existing safety arrangements. Rail travel remains an essential means of transport for many people in Pakistan.
Multiple derailments reported
Several railway accidents have been reported across different divisions in recent months.
On Aug. 27, 10 freight wagons derailed near Khanpur. On the same day, the engine and two coaches of the Rawal Express went off the tracks near Kala Gujran.
On Sept. 2, the power van of the Khyber Mail derailed near Sanjani. Three wagons of a coal-laden freight train derailed at Kotri railway yard on Sept. 9. Another coal train accident was reported on Sept. 6, when seven wagons went off the tracks.
The Yusufwala coal train was involved in another reported accident near Khairpur on Sept. 27. Railway sources have identified the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions among the areas experiencing several such incidents.
Other serious incidents have also affected railway operations. On May 24, an act of sabotage targeted a shuttle train in Quetta, damaging three coaches. The Rahman Baba Express also suffered a major accident in the Multan division.
Minister inspects manufacturing facilities
In a separate development, Abbasi visited the Steel and Carriage Shops in Mughalpura on Oct. 17 to inspect manufacturing facilities and assess quality-control arrangements.
During the visit, he examined the electric arc furnace and the spectro laboratory used to test components manufactured at the facility.
The department’s emergency measures include regular field visits, Sunday supervision and daily reporting requirements. Their stated objective is to improve monitoring and reduce the risk of further railway accidents.
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