Derailment paralyzes train traffic – Newspaper

NAROWAL: The passenger train Lathani Express derailed on the Lahore-Narowal railway line, resulting in suspension of train services in both directions.

The train was travelling from Lahore to Narowal-Sialkot when it derailed near Kot Mulchand railway station. All passengers were unharmed.

The derailment occurred when the wheels of bogie number four of the Lathani Express suddenly jumped off the tracks. As a result, the train service was disrupted in both directions. The passengers, including children, women and the elderly, faced great difficulties due to the extreme heat and lack of drinking water. The passengers had to walk several kilometers in the hot weather to reach the nearest road.

On January 3, another train derailed near Srirampura railway station.

Chairman of Daily Passengers Association Hafiz Abdul Qayyum said the track from Shahdara to Narang Mandi was in a bad condition. He said trains, including the Allama Iqbal Express, could only run at 35 kmph on this section due to the poor condition of the track. Despite over a dozen requests for track replacement being submitted to the railway authorities, nothing has been done.

He expressed concern that authorities might wait for a serious accident before taking necessary action.

According to railway sources, the technical department has given instructions to resume train services soon.

Citizens and passengers demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Railway Chairman take immediate action to replace the Shahdara-Narowal railway line.

Published in Dawn, 25 June 2024