The year 2025 proved to be one of the most challenging periods for Pakistan Railways, marked by frequent derailments, accidents, acts of sabotage, and persistent operational delays, according to official data released by the department.
While visible improvements were made at railway stations and passenger waiting areas, the core rail network continued to face serious disruptions, affecting both passenger and freight operations across the country.
Between January 1 and December 20, Pakistan Railways reported 95 incidents involving passenger and goods trains. These incidents resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen passengers, injuries to hundreds of travellers and railway staff, and significant damage to locomotives, coaches, and track infrastructure.
Derailments Dominate Incident List
Derailments accounted for the majority of incidents during the year, with 46 involving passenger trains and 43 linked to freight services. Among the major accidents was the Islamabad Express derailment on August 1, when six coaches left the track between Lahore and Rawalpindi due to a broken rail, injuring 30 passengers. Another serious incident occurred on August 17, when the Awam Express derailed near Lodhran, with six coaches affected.
On May 21, the Shalimar Express derailed after colliding with a brick-loaded trolley at an unmanned level crossing near Sianwala Dar-ul-Ehsan, causing all 15 coaches to leave the track. Freight operations were also hit, including a derailment on August 29 near Paddidan that disrupted goods movement after nine wagons derailed.
Collisions and Safety Lapses
Numerous collisions were reported throughout the year, particularly at level crossings. On September 11, a freight locomotive collided with another freight train near Renala Khurd, killing an assistant driver and injuring another crew member. The Rehman Baba Express struck a trolley at an unmanned crossing on May 30, narrowly avoiding a major disaster.
Another incident involving the Pakistan Express near Mubarakpur on June 1 saw a trolley pass beneath the dining car, preventing a derailment. Both manned and unmanned crossings remained a major safety concern.
Sabotage in Balochistan
Railway infrastructure in Balochistan, especially in the Quetta division, remained vulnerable to attacks. The Jaffar Express and surrounding tracks were targeted eight times during the year. The most damaging incidents occurred on March 11 and June 18, when explosives were used to sabotage tracks near Jacobabad, derailing five coaches of the Jaffar Express and disrupting services.
Operational Delays and Limited Modernisation
Beyond accidents and attacks, Pakistan Railways recorded at least one incident of a train catching fire. Chronic delays became common, with trains departing hours late from major stations, including Lahore, due to congestion, infrastructure faults, and accident-related disruptions.
Despite these challenges, 2025 saw continued investment in station renovations, improved waiting areas, and better aesthetics. However, large-scale upgrades to tracks, signalling system,s and rolling stock remained limited, underscoring the deep-rooted challenges facing the national rail network.
