Railways’ safety failures

October 14, 2026

The derailment of the Rehman Baba Express near the Sher Shah Bridge in Multan on Tuesday, leaving six passengers dead and 30 injured, is another painful reminder of the safety challenges facing Pakistan Railways. All 14 coaches of the passenger train reportedly went off the tracks, triggering a major rescue operation. The train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar when the accident occurred. Rescue teams rushed to the scene to evacuate passengers and provide emergency assistance. The injured were shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan, while a relief train reached the site to support rescue and recovery work. Train operations on the up track were suspended, disrupting railway traffic. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the incident and directed the authorities to provide the injured with immediate and the best possible medical treatment. While the rescue operation is essential, the government must also address the larger question of railway safety. Every major accident brings grief to families, puts passengers at risk and raises serious concerns about the condition of the country’s railway system. A train journey should not become a matter of fear for ordinary citizens who depend on affordable public transport.

The cause of this derailment has not yet been announced, and it would be premature to blame a specific failure before an investigation is completed. However, the growing concern over railway accidents demands more than routine expressions of sorrow and promises of action. The authorities must conduct a transparent investigation, make its findings public and hold those responsible accountable if negligence is established. They should also inspect railway tracks, bridges, signalling systems and rolling stock to identify safety risks before another tragedy occurs. Regular maintenance must not be delayed, and safety checks must be treated as a priority rather than an administrative formality. Pakistan Railways also needs better monitoring systems, trained staff and effective emergency plans to protect passengers. The government must provide the resources needed to improve railway infrastructure and ensure that safety rules are followed at every level. Rescue operations can save lives after an accident, but proper maintenance and prevention can stop many disasters from happening in the first place.