LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) has declared an emergency across the department on the instructions of Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to keep train services safe.
According to a statement issued by PR headquarters in Lahore on Saturday, all leave for field officers has been cancelled for three months.
“Officers have also been told to visit the field and oversee train operations on Sundays. Railway officers must travel by train when visiting other cities for official work,” the statement said.
The statement added that chief engineers from the civil and mechanical departments must send daily reports to the ministry about their areas of responsibility. Daily reports have also been requested from the head of safety.
The emergency measures will remain in place until December 31.
“We will provide passengers with the safest possible travel in line with the prime minister’s vision,” Abbasi said. Railways report more than 55 accidents this year.
On October 17, Abbasi visited the Steel and Carriage Shops in Mughalpura. He inspected the production facilities and told officials to maintain quality standards when making railway parts.
At the Mughalpura Steel Shop, the minister inspected the electric arc furnace and the spectro laboratory, which tests parts made in the furnace.
Since January 1, Pakistan Railways has recorded more than 55 accidents involving passenger and freight trains. The incidents have raised concerns about railway safety, maintenance and the steps being taken to prevent accidents.
The accidents have reportedly killed several people and injured dozens. They have also caused millions of rupees in damage to railway property. The repeated incidents have worried passengers, some of whom say they have to travel by train despite the risks.
Passengers have asked how they can avoid train travel when it is an essential way for them to get around. The number of accidents has also raised questions about whether safety steps ordered by the railways minister are being carried out.
Despite the minister’s firm orders, accidents have continued. Railway officials have reportedly continued to give reassuring updates. The repeated incidents have put the department’s safety and maintenance work under scrutiny.
According to railway sources, passenger and freight trains have been involved in more than 55 accidents of different levels of severity since the start of the year. The Yusufwala coal train has reportedly been involved in several accidents.
On August 27, 10 wagons of a freight train derailed near Khanpur. That same day, the engine and two coaches of the Rawal Express went off the tracks near Kala Gujran.
On September 27, the Yusufwala coal train was involved in an accident near Khairpur. Earlier, on September 9, three wagons of a coal freight train derailed at Kotri yard. On September 2, the power van of the Khyber Mail derailed near Sanjani.
Another coal train accident happened on September 6, when seven wagons went off the tracks. These incidents add to a series of accidents involving freight trains. Railway sources say most accidents have occurred in the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions.
On May 24, a shuttle train in Quetta was targeted in an act of sabotage, damaging three coaches. The Rahman Baba Express was also involved in a serious accident in the Multan division, further showing the range of incidents affecting railway services.
Reported By: General Reporter I Lahore
