RAHIM YAR KHAN (Mirza Adnan Corespondent CN ): A coach of the Shalimar Express travelling from Lahore to Karachi derailed between Bahawalpur and Samasatta, raising fresh concerns over railway safety and operational standards.
The incident has reportedly become the fourth railway accident in a month, prompting public concern over the condition of railway tracks, signalling systems and safety arrangements.
The derailment caused panic among passengers and temporarily affected rail traffic in the area. Fortunately, no major loss of life was reported in the incident.
According to sources, railway officials and rescue teams reached the site shortly after the incident and launched efforts to remove the affected coach from the track and restore railway operations.
Public and social circles have expressed serious concern over the repeated incidents, alleging that inadequate attention to track maintenance, timely inspections and safety measures could be contributing to the accidents.
Citizens have called upon the Federal Minister for Railways, Chairman Pakistan Railways and senior railway authorities to take immediate notice of the incident and order a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.
They also demanded an emergency safety audit of railway tracks and infrastructure between Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Samasatta, along with effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public representatives and social organisations stressed that merely conducting inquiries would not be sufficient and that responsibility should be fixed where negligence is established.
The latest incident has once again highlighted concerns about passenger safety and the need for improved maintenance and monitoring across the railway network.
