The loss of over 30 lives after multiple bogies of the Hazara Express derailed near the Sarhari Railway Station near Nawabshah in Sindh on Sunday is a stark reminder of Pakistan Railways’ abysmal passenger safety record and the unfulfilled promises of successive governments to revamp its broken infrastructure. The accident also raises questions about the incumbent rulers’ commitment to modernising the poorly managed railway, and refurbishing its aging tracks and erratic signal system for improving passenger safety.
While tweets and mourning from the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other ministers are expected, mere words without tangible actions have lost their impact. The government must prioritize rectifying the root causes behind train accidents, rather than merely offering condolences. While the current government cannot be solely blamed for the railway’s current state, it should not escape scrutiny for not actively addressing the issues and passing the blame to its predecessors.
Pakistan’s history of train accidents is deeply rooted in a decaying railway infrastructure. Countless minor derailments happen annually, largely attributed to dilapidated tracks, a faulty interlocking signal system, and aging rolling stocks. Although last July’s promise of additional funds for repairs and new coaches and locomotives was made, it remains unfulfilled, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to the railway’s revival.
Despite political rhetoric, the current administration appears clueless about devising a comprehensive revival strategy. It had pinned its hopes on Chinese investment in the Main Line-1 project connecting Peshawar to Karachi, but with China’s reluctance to invest, the government lacked an alternative plan to rescue the struggling department. Regardless of foreign investment, restoring Pakistan Railways demands significant time, investment, and unwavering political determination.
The incident near Padidan railway station involving the Allama Iqbal Express, though not fatal, underscores the ongoing risks posed by the crumbling railway infrastructure. Additionally, it brings back haunting memories of a deadly collision in Daharki in June 2021, which claimed 65 lives and injured about 150 others.
Accidents and derailments have become all too common on Pakistan’s antiquated railway system, which spans nearly 7,500 kilometres and carries over 80 million passengers annually. To avert further tragedies, the government must prioritize investing in the rehabilitation of infrastructure and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of railway passengers. Tackling this colossal challenge requires dedication, significant resources, and a united effort to bring Pakistan Railways back on track for the nation’s prosperity and the people’s safety.