Over 100 Killed in 752 Railway Accidents Across Pakistan in Seven Years
ISLAMABAD: Despite various safety measures, Pakistan Railways has failed to significantly reduce train accidents, with 752 incidents reported across the country between 2019 and 2025, resulting in more than 100 deaths and billions of rupees in financial losses.
According to official data obtained by Express News, Pakistan Railways—already grappling with financial challenges and deteriorating infrastructure—has faced increasing difficulties due to the high number of accidents over the past seven years.
The statistics reveal that freight trains were involved in 292 accidents during the period, while 191 derailments of passenger trains were reported. Another 87 incidents involved locomotive failures or overturned coaches.
The data further shows that 82 accidents occurred at open railway crossings involving rickshaws, trolleys, or trucks. Additionally, 33 other accidents were recorded on railway tracks, while 27 collisions took place at manned level crossings.
There were also 26 incidents of fire involving moving or stationary trains, six collisions between passenger and freight trains, and seven cases of train coaches overturning.
The accidents claimed the lives of more than 100 people and left hundreds injured. Pakistan Railways also suffered financial losses amounting to billions of rupees as a result of the incidents.
Rail services across the country were frequently disrupted following these accidents, forcing passengers to endure long delays and extended waiting times.
A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways said a new directorate has been established to improve safety standards and regulations. Training programs are being conducted for train drivers and other railway staff, while portions of the railway infrastructure have already been upgraded.
The spokesperson added that infrastructure modernization projects are being accelerated in collaboration with international financial institutions. To enhance passenger safety, train speeds have been reduced at certain locations to ensure safer operations.
For passenger convenience, modern waiting areas and lounges equipped with advanced facilities have also been established at railway stations across the country, including Lahore, to minimize inconvenience during train delays.
