Pakistan Railways has declared an emergency until December 31 following a series of train accidents and derailments, ordering officers to cancel holidays and urgently address operational shortcomings in a bid to improve passenger safety and secure the transportation of goods across the country.
The decision comes after several recent railway accidents, including the derailment of the Rehman Baba Express near Multan on October 13, which resulted in multiple casualties.
Leave Suspended for Operations Staff
Announcing the measures on Saturday, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the emergency, effective from October 24, would remain in place until deficiencies in passenger coaches, freight wagons, locomotives, signalling systems and other railway infrastructure were addressed.
He warned that officers in the operations department, including himself, would not be allowed to take Saturdays, Sundays or other public holidays off until the shortcomings were resolved. All types of leave, except medical leave, have been suspended for officers and officials under the emergency arrangements.
Daily Reporting Ordered
Railway personnel have also been directed to monitor train operations in the field, while chief engineers of the civil and mechanical departments must submit daily progress reports to the ministry. The head of the safety department has likewise been instructed to provide daily updates.
Pakistan Railways has reported several accidents and derailments in recent months, including seven incidents in July alone.
Factors Behind the Accidents
The major factors identified as contributing to accidents include:
- Deteriorating railway tracks
- Defective coaches and wagons
- The manual points system
- Human error
- Inadequate maintenance
- Shortages of resources
The emergency measures are aimed at addressing these operational weaknesses and improving the safety and reliability of railway services before the end of the year.
