Derailing trust: Pakistan railways’ alarming safety crisis deepens

In a deeply unsettling revelation that underscores the magnitude of Pakistan’s deteriorating railway infrastructure, Pakistan Railways has recorded a staggering 45 accidents in the first six months of 2025 alone.

From fatal derailments and collisions to avoidable fire outbreaks and mechanical failures, the state-owned entity’s crisis-ridden operation is fast becoming a national disgrace — and a deadly one at that.

Behind the raw numbers lies a systemic failure marked by crumbling infrastructure, decades of underinvestment, institutional complacency, and an alarming absence of accountability.

These incidents have not only claimed lives but also shattered public confidence in a mode of transport once considered the backbone of the nation’s connectivity.

A Dangerous Trajectory

The latest spate of accidents paints a grim picture.

In just half a year, the railway network has witnessed more than seven major derailments, multiple level-crossing mishaps, and numerous near-collisions.

Human error, poor maintenance, obsolete equipment, and a lack of operational discipline appear to be consistent factors across most incidents.

In early March, a packed passenger train derailed near Rohri, killing 17 people and injuring dozens.

Barely three weeks later, another incident involving a freight train colliding with a stationary locomotive in Punjab highlighted the absence of basic communication protocols and operational vigilance.

As shocking as these events are, the deeper tragedy lies in their predictability — many were preventable, had long-standing warnings been heeded.

The Ghost of Reforms Past

Successive governments have announced reforms to modernise Pakistan Railways, but these promises have largely remained cosmetic.

In 2020, after a deadly blaze in Rahim Yar Khan killed over 70 passengers, authorities vowed sweeping safety upgrades and an overhaul of emergency protocols. Five years on, the situation appears worse than ever.

Corruption, political interference, and bureaucratic inertia continue to hobble any meaningful reform. Funds allocated for safety measures have either been insufficient or mismanaged.

Maintenance of tracks and signalling systems remains patchy, with several regions operating on century-old infrastructure.

Moreover, audits and inspections are often reduced to mere formalities, rubber-stamped without meaningful evaluation.

Human Lives, Lost in Transit

Each accident is more than a statistic; it represents lost lives, grieving families, and communities plunged into shock and mourning.

Survivors speak of horrific scenes — passengers flung from their seats, coaches flipping like matchboxes, and rescue teams arriving too late.

Families of the deceased often struggle to obtain compensation or even basic information from authorities, compounding their trauma with bureaucratic indifference.

Political Apathy and Institutional Negligence

The silence at the top has been deafening.

While Pakistan Railways officials routinely express "deep sorrow" and promise investigations after each accident, very little changes on the ground.

There is no evidence that findings from earlier inquiries have led to substantial corrective measures.

In the rare cases where staff are held responsible, the blame typically falls on low-ranking employees — drivers, signalmen, or stationmasters — while systemic issues and senior-level failings remain unaddressed.

Safety manuals are outdated. Crew members are reportedly overworked and undertrained. Emergency drills are seldom conducted.

Transportation analysts argue that this culture of evasion has become normalised.

Freight and Financial Freefall

The crisis is not limited to safety.

Pakistan Railways has long been financially insolvent, requiring regular government bailouts just to meet salaries and pensions.

The sector, once responsible for hauling 70% of the country's freight, now accounts for less than 5%, ceding ground to road transport due to inefficiency and poor reliability.

Even more troubling is the state of rolling stock and locomotives. With only a fraction of the fleet deemed fit for operation, trains are often run beyond their service life, exacerbating safety hazards.

Technical glitches, brake failures, and engine fires are no longer rare occurrences — they are recurring symptoms of systemic rot.

Global Context and Domestic Neglect

Pakistan’s railway safety record now ranks among the worst globally.

While countries like India, Bangladesh, and even war-torn regions have made strides in adopting automated signalling and centralised traffic control, Pakistan lags far behind.

Countries with similar GDPs have upgraded their railway systems; Pakistan, by contrast, continues to operate on infrastructure that dates back to colonial times.

Ironically, while the government frequently touts ambitious visions like CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), little attention is paid to domestic rail safety.

Billions have been committed to flagship projects and luxury trains, but the vast majority of Pakistan’s 70,000 kilometres of rail track remain neglected.

Public Trust in Shambles

For ordinary Pakistanis, the railway is not just a symbol of national heritage; it is a lifeline.

From students and migrant workers to traders and families, millions rely on it for affordable travel. But the mounting death toll and safety failures have made even the poor think twice.

Online, public sentiment has turned caustic. Hashtags like #RailwayReformNow and #JusticeForVictims trend after each major accident, but they often disappear with the news cycle. There is growing anger, yes — but also growing resignation.

The pattern is now frighteningly familiar: tragedy, outrage, promises, and then inertia.

The Pakistani state, it seems, has grown disturbingly comfortable with failure in the realm of public safety, especially when it comes to the vulnerable and voiceless.

Unless there is a radical shift in political will and institutional culture, the question is not **if** another tragedy will strike, but **when**.