More than 35 passengers died and 50 others were injured in the recent train accident (6 August). Reports indicate that 10 carriages of the Havelian-bound Hazara Express derailed near Sahara Railway Station in Sindh’s Nawabshah district. The train, reportedly carrying a substantial number of passengers exceeding its capacity of 1000, experienced the derailment of 10 out of its 17 carriages. Five carriages turned turtle. There are different views about the reason of derailment of this train. As per initial report over speeding caused this derailemnt. Insiders blame for lack of POH ( maintenance) of the train carriages. Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique suggested that the incident might be due to either a genuine mechanical malfunction or deliberate sabotage.
While speculation is inevitable in the absence of a specific cause for the train derailment, it is important to note that train accidents are not unusual occurrences in the country. Earlier this year, the same train narrowly avoided an accident in March. Just a day prior to the Sunday incident, three coaches of the Allama Iqbal Express derailed, fortunately without causing injuries. Tragic events like the 2021 train collision in Sindh that claimed 65 lives and the 2019 Tezgam disaster that resulted in 75 casualties should not be forgotten. The recurrent incidents underscore the urgent need for Pakistan Railways and, more broadly, the government, to invest in upgrading their systems.
It is pertinent to point out that corruption, inefficiency and lack of merit have severely undermined the railways, contributing to systemic issues with both rail and road infrastructure in Pakistan. A degeneration has set in which has corroded the system and the service almost beyond repair. This accident highlights the precarious state of the country’s core transport infrastructure which is a result of the criminal apathy of the government and the Railways officers. It is evident that Pakistan Railways has been neglected compared to other modes of transportation, aggravated by the privatization agenda, resulting in insufficient investment in essential infrastructure. Implementing a digital system within Pakistan Railways could substantially mitigate the risk of accidents. The Sunday train derailment likely reflects years of neglect rather than an isolated incident of error or sabotage. The government must recognize that, irrespective of economic constraints, ensuring public safety should take precedence over financial considerations.
To top all, the trend to heap responsibility on the lower staff and let the high-ups get away without any punishment, has worsened the system because heads never roll. This incident demands a transparent inquiry and responsibility should be fixed on the senior officers and people at the helm of affairs.
(Watch the youtube channel ‘DISCLOUSRE with Naveed Elahi for detailed coverage of this incident)
