Pakistan Faces Rail Safety Crisis with 125 Freight Train Derailments Since 2021

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Pakistan Faces Rail Safety Crisis with 125 Freight Train Derailments Since 2021

Pakistan’s state-run railway system has recorded 125 freight train derailments over the past three years, with officials largely blaming human error and deteriorating infrastructure, according to a report presented in parliament.

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, responding to a query from MNA Abrar Ahmed, said that between July 2021 and June 2024, Pakistan Railways operated 6,049 freight trains, of which 0.7% were involved in derailment incidents.

The report identified multiple causes, including human negligence, track damage, mechanical faults, signaling failures, sabotage, natural disasters, and unsafe crossings. Human error accounted for 43% of derailments — the leading cause — often linked to fatigue, poor training, and procedural lapses.

Aging tracks and weak maintenance have also worsened risks, with several sections not rehabilitated for decades, resulting in cracks and joint failures. Outdated locomotives, manual signaling systems, and insufficient maintenance further contribute to accidents.

To address these issues, the Ministry of Railways has launched safety reforms, such as refresher courses for staff, stricter inspections, monthly safety bulletins, and upgrades to high-risk level crossings — 168 of 536 so far. However, experts warn that these administrative steps are insufficient without modernization and investment in digital interlocking, automated safety systems, and full-scale track rehabilitation.

Analysts stress that Pakistan Railways must undergo a technological overhaul and stronger accountability culture to achieve lasting safety improvements.

In a recent coverage, it was observed that Railway Crisis Deepens as Train Accidents Surge

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