A dining car of the Shalimar Express derailed near Khanewal on Sunday following a technical fault [1].
The incident disrupted the schedule of the 28 Down train [2], highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of rail infrastructure in the region.
Railway officials said the derailment was a minor accident. The failure was isolated to the dining car, which left the tracks near Khanewal [1, 2]. Emergency responses were coordinated to manage the site and ensure the safety of those on board.
"All passengers remained safe in the minor accident," railway officials said [2].
No injuries were reported following the technical failure [2]. The train's progress was delayed as crews worked to stabilize the carriage and clear the line for subsequent traffic. The specific nature of the technical fault remains under investigation by railway authorities [1, 2].
This event follows a pattern of technical disruptions on the Shalimar Express route. Officials have not yet released a timeline for the full restoration of the affected carriage or the specific cause of the mechanical failure [1].
“"All passengers remained safe in the minor accident,"”
This derailment underscores the persistent vulnerability of Pakistan's rail network to technical failures. While the lack of casualties classifies this as a minor incident, the disruption of a major service like the Shalimar Express suggests a need for more rigorous preventative maintenance to avoid more severe accidents.
