ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 30, 2025 (WNP): A section of a pedestrian bridge collapsed at Khanewal Railway Station on Friday, prompting swift action from Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who ordered the suspension of three officials and launched a high-level investigation into the incident.
According to a notification issued by the ministry, Divisional Engineer Abid Razaq (Grade 18), Assistant Engineer Raja Yousuf (Grade 17), and Bridge Inspector Muhammad Adil (Grade 16) have been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Expressing regret over the incident, Minister Abbasi emphasized the need for strict accountability and directed that those found responsible be held to account to prevent such failures in the future. “Safety cannot be compromised. We must ensure our infrastructure is maintained to the highest standards,” he said.
A high-powered inquiry committee has been formed, comprising the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Railways, the Inspector General of Railway Police, and the Divisional Superintendent of Lahore. The committee is tasked with determining the cause of the collapse and identifying lapses in oversight.
CEO Pakistan Railways Aamir Ali Baloch has departed for Khanewal to oversee the situation firsthand. No casualties have been reported so far, but the incident has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety at railway stations across the country.
Despite fiscal constraints, Pakistan Railways is continuing efforts to improve cleanliness and public health standards across its network. An official at the Ministry of Railways said that janitorial staff have been deployed round the clock at major stations to maintain hygiene at platforms, waiting areas, and passenger restrooms.
Daily fumigation is also being conducted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Food safety measures have been enhanced, with regular inspections of vending stalls and dining cars carried out by medical officers and railway staff. Vendors are also screened twice a year for communicable diseases, including Hepatitis B and C.
“Even with limited resources, we are fully committed to providing a clean and safe environment for passengers,” the official said, adding that conservancy contractors are also actively involved in maintaining hygiene standards. Educational campaigns, including banners and pamphlets, have been launched to encourage public cooperation in keeping stations clean.
Meanwhile, in a bid to modernize freight operations, Pakistan Railways has inducted 30 new high-capacity, high-speed freight wagons into service. Unveiled at Lahore Cantt Railway Station on Friday, the wagons—each capable of carrying 60 tons—are designed to meet international standards and were manufactured locally.
“This is a major leap forward for our freight system,” said CEO Aamir Ali Baloch. “By the end of the year, we plan to introduce a total of 850 new wagons. This will enhance our competitiveness and support the business sector.”
Baloch noted that railway freight charges remain significantly lower than road transport, offering an affordable and efficient solution to traders. He added that further upgrades to freight infrastructure are underway.
In another key development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi met with Minister Abbasi in Islamabad to discuss railway development in the province, including plans to revive the historic Safari Train between Peshawar and Landi Kotal to promote tourism.
Kundi called for transforming the Peshawar–Karachi route into a model corridor offering safe, fast, and comfortable travel. Minister Abbasi welcomed the proposal and accepted the Governor’s invitation to visit Peshawar soon.
Separately, Minister Abbasi announced that train punctuality has improved dramatically—rising from 18% to 84%—reflecting broader reforms in operations and infrastructure. During a visit to Attock Railway Station, he praised its cleanliness and announced a comprehensive renovation plan, including new food stalls, modern waiting rooms, and green initiatives such as a plantation drive.
Commenting on national security, Abbasi also lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for their decisive response to recent Indian aggression, stating, “The nation stands united in celebrating our strength and sovereignty.”
With safety, hygiene, punctuality, and modernization at the core of its agenda, Pakistan Railways appears to be on track for a wide-ranging transformation.
