As rail crashes rise, probes gather dust

Railway sources say cosmetic improvements get priority over essential infrastructure

Pakistan Railways continues to face frequent accidents, yet measures to prevent such incidents remain grossly inadequate. According to officials, the administration’s focus has largely shifted towards beautifying railway stations and upgrading train coaches, while critical recommendations made by inquiry committees have been ignored.

Officers and staff members found responsible in various investigations have reportedly faced no action and continue to serve without consequence. As a result, passengers remain vulnerable while those tasked with ensuring safety remain undisturbed.

Information obtained by The Express Tribune shows that more than 30 minor and major accidents have occurred in recent years, claiming several lives and injuring dozens of passengers and railway employees. Despite this, the safety steps that should have been implemented have not been taken.

Sources say that for years, inquiry reports have been shelved without enforcement, leaving no system of accountability. Whether the incident occurred in Lodhran, Kala Shah Kaku, Raiwind, Faisalabad, Karachi Division, or Sukkur, inquiries were conducted — only for the reports to be locked away.

The condition of the infrastructure has deteriorated to the point that accidents are now occurring even on the main railway line. The Rawalpindi–Faisalabad section, once considered among the safest, has also witnessed repeated incidents. In Lahore and elsewhere, the timely departure of trains has become nearly impossible.

Railway sources say that from the federal minister, Hanif Abbasi, down to senior officers, the priority has been cosmetic improvements to stations and train bogies rather than upgrades to tracks, signalling systems, or other essential infrastructure. The sources further state that the outsourcing of train operations has also become a major focus. Hardly a month passes without a passenger or freight train derailing or meeting with an accident.

When approached, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Railways said inquiries were underway. Some reports, once received, were reviewed and found to have “certain reservations”; therefore, reinvestigation was ordered. The spokesperson added that once inquiries are completed, action will be taken in accordance with the law.

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Inquiry committees — including teams supervised by the Federal Government Inspector — have completed investigations and submitted detailed reports to the Chief Executive Officer, the minister, and the chairperson. However, no action has been taken against those held responsible. In some cases, objections were raised and fresh inquiries ordered, but even these have not resulted in implementation.

Inquiry commissions have not only identified individual negligence but have also highlighted systemic flaws. They recommended improvements to ensure punctual train operations and enhance safety protocols. Yet these recommendations, too, remain unimplemented.

Accidents involving fatalities are investigated by the Federal Government Inspector, who submits findings to the ministry and the chairperson. Non-fatal incidents are probed at the divisional level or by teams formed by the CEO.