Pakistan Railways has declared a three-month emergency across the department following more than 55 reported train accidents since the beginning of 2026, raising concerns about railway safety, maintenance and operational standards.
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The emergency was ordered by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to improve the safety of train operations and strengthen supervision across the department.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan Railways headquarters in Lahore on Saturday, the measures will remain in force until December 31, 2026.
The department has cancelled leave for field officers during the emergency period and introduced additional reporting requirements for senior railway officials.
Pakistan Railways Cancels Leave for Field Officers
Under the new measures, field officers will be required to supervise train operations, including on Sundays.
Railway officers travelling to other cities for official duties have also been directed to use trains, according to the department’s statement.
Chief engineers of the civil and mechanical departments must submit daily reports to the ministry covering their respective areas of responsibility. The head of safety has also been instructed to provide daily reports.
The measures are intended to increase oversight of railway operations and improve accountability for safety and maintenance.
Abbasi said the department would work to provide passengers with the safest possible travel in line with the prime minister’s vision.
More Than 55 Train Accidents Reported This Year
Railway sources cited in the report said passenger and freight trains had been involved in more than 55 accidents of varying severity since January 1, 2026.
The reported incidents have raised questions about track conditions, maintenance standards and the effectiveness of measures intended to prevent railway accidents.
Several people have reportedly been killed and dozens injured in the incidents, while railway infrastructure has also suffered financial losses. The exact overall casualty figures and total financial damage were not provided in the supplied report.
According to railway sources, the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions have been among the areas experiencing a high number of accidents.
The Yusufwala coal train has also reportedly been involved in several incidents.
On May 24, a shuttle train in Quetta was targeted in an alleged act of sabotage, damaging three coaches. The Rahman Baba Express also suffered a major accident in the Multan division, according to the supplied report.
The causes and circumstances of the individual incidents may differ, and the available information does not establish a single cause for the reported accidents.
Minister Inspects Railway Manufacturing Facilities
On October 17, Abbasi visited the Steel and Carriage Shops in Lahore’s Mughalpura area to inspect production facilities and review the manufacturing of railway components.
During the visit to the Mughalpura Steel Shop, he inspected an electric arc furnace and reviewed the spectro laboratory used to test components manufactured there.
The minister directed officials to maintain quality standards in the production of railway parts.
The inspection came as the department faced growing scrutiny over the frequency of accidents and the effectiveness of its safety and maintenance arrangements.
Can the Emergency Improve Railway Safety?
The three-month emergency introduces stricter supervision, regular reporting and additional responsibilities for railway officers. However, its impact will depend on how effectively these measures are implemented and whether identified safety and maintenance problems are addressed.
Passengers continue to rely on trains as an important means of transport, making the safety of railway services a major public concern.
The department’s response to the reported accidents, along with the results of its inspections and daily safety reporting, will be important in assessing whether the emergency measures lead to improvements before the December 31 deadline.
