LAHORE: Federal Government Inspector of Railways (FGIR) has warned of action against officials found negligent from their duties related to safe train operations across the country.
He also directed the officers to focus on fitness of the railway tracks in a bid to avert any untoward incident, ensuring safety of passengers and crew on priority basis.
“There shouldn’t be any negligence while performing duties related to fitness of the track, rolling stock and other infrastructure,” an official source quoted FGIR Amir Nisar as having said during inspection of the railways track and other infrastructure in Lahore on Friday.
“The FGIR thoroughly inspected the railway tracks and other infrastructure within the jurisdiction of Lahore railway station,” the official said, adding that the track inspection and other infrastructure by the FGIR was also underway in other divisions. The FGIR — a most senior official appointed by the federal government is, under the railways act 1890, authorised to inspect railways with a view to determine whether they are fit to be opened for the public carriage of passengers, and to report thereon to the Federal Government as required under the act.
According to a Lahore division railways spokesperson, FGIR Chaudhry on Friday inspected the Lahore railway station yard and washing lines along with Lahore Divisional Superintendent Inamullah. During the inspection, the FGIR examined track joints, gauge, alignment and fitness, as well as the condition of sleepers, points and nuts and bolts. He also had various track points operated to assess their functioning. He expressed dissatisfaction over shortcomings in the performance of some staff and directed the officials to improve the condition of the yard.
Since July, nearly 20 train accidents and derailments have been reported. These include the derailment of Karachi-bound Shalimar Express near Khanewal on July 5 followed by Yousafwala (Sahiwal) coal train derailment near Harappa on July 10. On July 19, the same train’s several coal-laden wagons derailed near Wahab Shah Station in Sindh followed by a Bulleh Shah passenger train’s coach derailment in Lahore on July 20 and another major derailment of Hazara Express on July 22 near the Karachi Cantt railway station.
On July 28, the Lahore-bound Tezgam Express derailed between Hyderabad and Kotri sections. The same day, Thal Express’s engine broke down near Muzaffargarh. July 29 witnessed another accident of the Yousafwala coal train at Jangshahi railway station after it collided with the sandhump on the loopline. On Aug 4, the Havailian-bound Hazara Express also collided with a sandhump. Aug 5 saw the derailment of Bulleh Shah Passenger train followed by the Yousafwala coal train derailment again near Firoza railway station (between Khanpur and Liaqatpur) on Aug 27. The same day, a passenger train (Rawal Express) derailed near Kala Gujran in Jhelum district.
On Aug 29, four passenger coaches of moving Millat Express separated from the train’s rake on the way. Aug 31 witnessed another incident when the Lahore-bound Khyber Mail derailed near the Sanjani railway station. On Sept 6, Yousafwala coal train again derailed at Kotri, whereas Sept 7 saw another derailment of Karachi-bound Shalimar Express between Bahawalpur and the Samasatta rail section. September 11 witnessed the derailment of a coach of the Hazara Express near Domeli station. Similarly on Sept 16, a wagon of goods train derailed at Khanpur station.
Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2026
