Snake infestation reported at Pindi Railway Station

A hazardous infestation of venomous snakes has been reported at Platform No 6 within the railway yard of Rawalpindi Railway Station, leaving railway workers deeply alarmed. Five poisonous snakes have already been killed in the area over the past week alone.

Platform 6 serves as a vital operational hub, functioning as the primary loading and unloading point for freight arriving from Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta.

It is also where trains undergo routine inspections, fitness assessments, and minor repairs. Personnel from six different railway departments are stationed at this location.

The platform’s surface remains entirely unpaved. As a result of the ongoing monsoon season, wild grass, dense weeds, and cannabis have grown unchecked, reaching heights of up to three feet, thus creating ideal conditions for snakes to hide and breed.

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The area is frequented daily by staff from Carriage and Wagon, Traffic, Mechanical, Loco Running, Signal, and Goods departments.

These teams are responsible for tasks including the deep cleaning of coaches, washing of seats, technical inspections, and repair of engines, bogies, lighting systems, and goods compartments.

However, due to the thick vegetation, workers are forced to carry out their duties while seated amidst tall grass and bushes, with snakes frequently appearing without warning.

Union representatives from the Railway Workers Union and the Railway Mazdoor Ittehad report that the risk has become so pronounced that, during operations, two workers are now posted solely to keep watch for snake activity while others continue their duties.

Repeated appeals have been made to the Divisional Superintendent (DS) Railways to clear the vegetation, but thus far, no meaningful action has been taken.

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Further compounding the issue is the fact that the railway hospital reportedly lacks anti-venom, injections, or vaccines necessary in the event of a snakebite.

Union leaders have warned that should any worker be harmed or fatally bitten, all affiliated railway unions will file a murder case against the relevant authorities. They stressed that the monsoon period marks the peak breeding season for venomous snakes, significantly elevating the risk to employees.

The Railway Workers Union, Loco Shed Union, and Railway Mazdoor Ittehad have jointly demanded that the DS and Railways GM conduct an urgent visit to Platform 6 and order the clearance of the overgrown vegetation.

Failing this, they have threatened to stage a protest in front of the Divisional Office. In response, a spokesperson for the DS Office confirmed that the divisional superintendent has taken note of the situation and that grass-cutting operations will commence shortly.