Accidents in Pakistan Railway could not be stopped, more than 55 incidents this year, questions on safety arrangements

Despite strict instructions of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi series of train accidents could not stop

Lahore: Despite all measures Pakistan Railways has not been able to transport passengers to destination timely and safely, increasing train accidents have created fear and panic among passengers.

Passengers say that traveling is compulsion, in such situation what should they do? Despite strict instructions of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi series of train accidents could not stop, while despite reports of all well by railway authorities one accident after another has raised questions on railway's safety arrangements and track maintenance.

According to railway sources from January 1 till now passenger and freight trains have met more than 55 accidents of various natures. In these accidents along with loss of precious lives several passengers were injured, while railway infrastructure also suffered loss worth crores of rupees.

According to sources Yusuf Wala coal train has also met accidents multiple times. On August 27 near Khanpur 10 bogies of goods train derailed, while on same day engine and two bogies of Rawal Express derailed near Kala Gujran.

Similarly on September 27 Yusuf Wala coal train met accident near Khairpur. On September 9 three bogies of coal-laden goods train derailed in Kotri Yard, while on September 2 power van of Khair Mail derailed near Sanjani. On September 6 incident of seven bogies of coal train derailing also occurred.

In Quetta on May 24 shuttle train was targeted for sabotage, which damaged three bogies, while Rahman Baba Express also faced a major accident in Multan Division.

According to railway sources most accidents of passenger and freight trains occurred in Sukkur, Karachi and Multan Divisions. Investigations of these accidents were also conducted, however due to non-implementation of inquiry reports questions remain on effectiveness of safety measures.

In this regard spokesperson of Pakistan Railways told that across country more than three thousand train operations continue during 24 hours, in this ratio number of accidents is very low.

According to spokesperson railway administration does not want accidents and full efforts are being made to further improve safety arrangements. For this purpose new Directorate of Safety has been established, inspections are being done on daily basis, new bogies are being included and process of improvement and upgradation of railway track is also ongoing.