HYDERABAD: Rail services on one of Pakistan’s main railway corridors were severely disrupted after a freight train derailed near Matiari in Sindh, blocking both the up and down railway tracks and forcing authorities to suspend train operations.
According to Pakistan Railways officials, 17 wagons of a freight train came off the tracks near Wahab Shah Railway Station, resulting in the complete closure of both railway lines. The accident caused extensive damage to the track infrastructure, prompting emergency restoration efforts.
Railway authorities said the derailment has halted train movement on the affected section, with several passenger trains stopped at different railway stations until the tracks are cleared. Officials warned that restoration work could take up to 24 hours, and train operations are expected to remain suspended until at least the following day.
Divisional Superintendent (DS) Railways Sukkur, Farman Ghani, said that all trains passing through the affected route had been stopped as a precaution following the accident.
He added that a relief train departed from Rohri and was expected to reach the accident site by around 10:00 p.m., while another relief train had also been dispatched from Kotri to assist with recovery and restoration operations.
According to the DS Railways, a significant portion of the railway track was damaged in the derailment, making repair work both complex and time-consuming. However, engineering teams are working around the clock to clear the wreckage, repair the damaged infrastructure, and restore rail traffic as quickly as possible.
As a result of the disruption, the Sukkur Express, scheduled to travel from Jacobabad to Karachi, was cancelled for the day.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) Railways Karachi said that railway operations on the affected section are likely to remain suspended for approximately 24 hours, with train services scheduled through the route also expected to be affected until repairs are completed.
Pakistan Railways also released details of passenger trains halted at various stations due to the blockage:
- Karakoram Express has been stopped at Hyderabad Railway Station.
- Allama Iqbal Express has been halted at Kotri Station.
- Pakistan Express has been stopped at Landhi Station.
- Tezgam Express has been held at Drigh Road Station.
- Millat Express and Fareed Express have both been stopped at Karachi Cantonment Station.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest travel updates before heading to railway stations, as schedules may continue to change depending on the progress of restoration work.
In a relief measure for affected travelers, the Pakistan Railways Karachi Division announced that passengers whose journeys have been disrupted due to the derailment will be eligible for ticket refunds within the Karachi Division’s jurisdiction.
Officials said technical teams are investigating the cause of the derailment, although no official explanation has yet been provided. The priority, they said, remains the safe removal of the derailed wagons, repair of the damaged tracks, and restoration of normal rail operations.
The incident has caused significant inconvenience for passengers traveling between Karachi and upper Sindh, Punjab, and other northern destinations. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to reopen the railway line at the earliest possible opportunity while ensuring safety standards are maintained throughout the recovery process.
About The Author
