The year 2025 proved to be one of the most turbulent periods for Pakistan Railways, with frequent derailments, collisions, sabotage, and widespread delays, official data shows.
From January 1 to December 20, Pakistan Railways recorded 95 incidents involving passenger and freight trains. These incidents claimed more than a dozen lives, injured hundreds, and caused extensive damage to locomotives, coaches, and tracks.
Derailments Lead the Toll
Derailments were the most common incidents, with 46 involving passenger trains and 43 involving freight trains. Major derailments included:
- August 1: Islamabad Express derailed between Lahore and Rawalpindi, injuring 30 passengers.
- August 17: Awam Express derailed near Lodhran with six coaches leaving the track.
- May 21: Shalimar Express collided with a trolley at an unmanned crossing, causing all 15 coaches to derail.
- August 29: Nine freight wagons derailed near Paddidan, disrupting goods movement.
Collisions and Accidents
Collisions at level crossings and with stationary rolling stock were reported throughout the year. On September 11, a freight locomotive collided with another train near Renala Khurd, killing an assistant driver. The Rehman Baba Express narrowly avoided a major accident on May 30 at an unmanned crossing. Several incidents highlighted persistent safety gaps at manned and unmanned crossings.
Sabotage and Attacks
Railway infrastructure in Balochistan, particularly in the Quetta division, was targeted multiple times. The Jaffar Express and nearby tracks faced eight attacks, including explosive incidents on March 11 and June 18, causing derailments and disrupting services.
Other Incidents and Operational Delays
One train fire was recorded, while operational delays became routine due to congestion, infrastructure faults, and accident-related disruptions. Passengers faced long waits at major stations, including Lahore.
Upgrades Amid Challenges
Despite the disruptions, Pakistan Railways focused on station refurbishment, upgraded waiting rooms, and aesthetic improvements. However, modernization of tracks, signalling systems, and rolling stock remained limited due to ongoing challenges.
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Officials emphasized the need for improved safety measures, infrastructure upgrades, and better traffic management to prevent further accidents and ensure smooth operations in the coming years.
