Freight Train Derailment Near Matiari May Disrupt Rail Traffic for 24 Hours

Islamabad: Rail services across a key section of Pakistan’s railway network are expected to remain suspended for up to 24 hours after a freight train derailed near Wahab Shah Station in Matiari district, railway officials said.

According to the Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) of Pakistan Railways Karachi, 17 wagons of the Yousafwala Coal Hopper Train derailed, forcing the closure of both the up and down railway tracks.

Officials said the damage to the tracks is significant, and restoration work could take up to 24 hours. As a result, train operations scheduled through the affected section until at least the following day have been suspended.

Pakistan Railways said several passenger trains have been halted at different stations, including Karakoram Express at Hyderabad, Allama Iqbal Express at Kotri, Pakistan Express at Landhi, Tezgam Express at Drigh Road, and Millat Express and Fareed Express at Karachi Cantonment Station.

A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways’ Karachi Division said passengers affected by the disruption within the division’s jurisdiction would be eligible for refunds.

Meanwhile, Sukkur Divisional Superintendent of Railways Farman Ghani said all trains on the affected route had been stopped at various stations. He added that a relief train dispatched from Rohri was expected to reach the accident site by around 10:00 p.m., while another relief train from Kotri was also en route.

Officials also confirmed that the Sukkur Express, scheduled to travel from Jacobabad to Karachi, had been canceled for the day. Restoration teams are working to clear both tracks and resume normal rail operations as soon as possible.