Train Safety at Risk as Railway Training Simulator Remains Out of Order for Over Two Years

Lahore: A state-of-the-art railway training simulator, designed to train Pakistan Railways staff and students in advanced train operation and safety protocols, has remained non-functional for over two years, severely impacting the training of drivers, engineers, and students from Pakistan and abroad.
According to sources within Pakistan Railways, the simulator—located at the Pakistan Railways Academy in Walton, Lahore—has been out of service due to a software malfunction. As a result, hundreds of in-service railway drivers and trainee students have been deprived of essential hands-on training. This has coincided with a noticeable rise in railway accidents, particularly incidents of trains derailing across Lahore and other regions of the country.
Despite orders from Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi to repair the simulator, no concrete steps have been taken. Pakistan Railways management insists on using the foreign vendor for repairs, which would cost significantly in foreign currency. However, local software engineers claim they can fix the issue at a fraction of the cost, but the administration has not granted them permission.
The simulator plays a critical role in teaching how to operate trains, manage emergency situations, switch tracks, and respond to accidents. It also supports research and refresher courses for senior officers. The ongoing malfunction is not only hampering education for Pakistani students but also affecting dozens of international students from countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tanzania, and Ghana who study at the Walton Academy.
Students, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration, saying their academic year is nearing completion without any access to this key technological resource. Each year, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 students receive training at the Walton Academy.
When questioned, Minister Hanif Abbasi referred the matter to Pakistan Railways CEO Amir Ali Baloch, who confirmed that the simulator remains out of order. He added that discussions are ongoing with the foreign company that supplied the equipment, and efforts are being made to resolve the issue soon.