A recent train accident in Pakistan involving the Shalimar Express has sparked worries about railway safety and accountability. An internal inspection at Sukkur revealed that around 60% of the train’s coaches had significant defects, with 10 out of 18 coaches facing serious technical issues, including non-functional brake cylinders. This indicates that the train was already in a precarious state before starting its journey.
The initial response to the accident primarily focused on blaming the driver and his assistant, citing operational failures like overshooting a red signal and inadequate train control. However, experts argue that while these factors might have played a role, they do not fully explain why a train with faulty braking systems was permitted to operate. The incident has shed light on concerns regarding the assignment of responsibility within Pakistan Railways.
Railway operations rely on various layers, from maintenance teams to inspection authorities and train crew. When critical systems such as brakes are not functioning correctly, the room for error diminishes significantly, making it challenging for drivers to manage emergencies. The inspection report also mentioned some coaches as “dummy coaches,” hinting at a potential issue of running trains with defective equipment not being an isolated occurrence.
Train drivers had previously voiced similar worries, expressing that they were unfairly blamed for accidents caused by faulty equipment. This recent incident seems to validate those concerns, sparking a fresh debate on safety standards. Questions have been raised about the efficacy of oversight mechanisms, including inspections and regulatory checks, as the incident suggests either weak enforcement or a broader acceptance of risk within the system.
The occurrence comes at a time when Pakistan Railways is striving to enhance its reputation and regain public trust. Safety oversights like this could further tarnish its image and instill doubts among passengers.
