Lahore [Pakistan] March 27 : A series of derailments has sparked criticism for Pakistan Railways over the government's failure to prioritise safety alongside financial growth.
While the railways made significant revenue in light of the festival of Eid, the celebratory mood was short-lived. On the very first day after Eid, the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express derailed in Punjab, injuring multiple passengers and shifting public focus back to safety concerns, as reported by The Express Tribune.
According to The Express Tribune, passengers have voiced growing frustration. Regular traveller Ahmed Raza said rail journeys have become increasingly stressful due to repeated accidents. He noted that while inquiries are routinely announced after each incident, they rarely lead to meaningful change.
This sentiment reflects a broader erosion of trust among commuters. The problem appears systemic.
In recent days, not only Tezgam but also the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express met with accidents. Though not always fatal, the frequency of such incidents has raised alarm. At the same time, fares were increased in March due to rising diesel costs amid global geopolitical tensions, further intensifying scrutiny from passengers who now expect safer and more reliable services.
The root cause lies in outdated infrastructure. Critical routes such as Main Line-1 and Main Line-2 continue to operate on ageing tracks and obsolete signalling systems. Increased train operations without proportional upgrades have significantly elevated risks. Railway authorities claim that rehabilitation work is ongoing, including plans to upgrade key sections, such as the Karachi-Rohri route, within three years. However, officials admit that modernising the vast network is a long-term challenge, as cited by The Express Tribune.
While demand for rail travel remains high, especially among lower-income groups, analysts warn that revenue growth alone cannot sustain the system. Without urgent and visible safety improvements, Pakistan Railways risks losing public confidence and undermining its own expansion goals, as reported by The Express Tribune.
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