A recent series of train derailments has intensified criticism of Pakistan Railways, with many accusing the authority of prioritising revenue over passenger safety. The system posted strong ticket income over the Eid holiday, but celebrations were cut short when the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express derailed in Punjab on the day after Eid, injuring several travellers. Days later, the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express also experienced an accident.
Commuters say such incidents are becoming routine. A frequent passenger, Ahmed Raza, described rail travel as increasingly stressful and said post-accident inquiries rarely lead to meaningful change. Public frustration has been amplified by a fare increase in March, introduced after diesel prices rose amid global geopolitical tensions. Many passengers now question why higher fares have not translated into safer, more reliable service.
Officials and transport analysts point to ageing infrastructure as the principal cause. Major corridors, including Main Line-1 and Main Line-2, still rely on worn tracks and outdated signalling. Increased train operations without commensurate upgrades have elevated the risk of accidents. Railway authorities say rehabilitation is underway and that upgrades on stretches such as the Karachi–Rohri route are planned within a multi-year timeline, but they acknowledge full modernisation will take much longer.
With demand for affordable rail travel remaining high—especially among lower-income groups—experts warn that rising revenues alone cannot sustain the network. Without urgent, visible safety improvements and accelerated infrastructure investment, Pakistan Railways risks further erosion of public trust and may undermine its future expansion goals.
