Pakistan Railways has cancelled leave for its field officers for the next three months to improve train safety across the country.
The department has declared an operational emergency following a series of railway accidents. Field officers are ordered to remain available for duty during this period.
Railway field officers will not be allowed to take regular leave for three months.
They must also visit railway facilities on Sundays to monitor train operations.
Instead of spending most of their time in offices, officers have to personally supervise activities in the field to identify safety problems and take action before serious incidents.
Railway officers will be responsible for maintaining active supervision and checking operational conditions.
Decision follows recent train accidents
The emergency measures come after several railway accidents raised concerns about passenger safety.
The Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station in Multan district, earlier in October.
The train was travelling towards Peshawar when the accident occurred.
Reportedly, five people lost their lives, while several others suffered injuries.
Karachi circular railway project faces delays
On the other hand, previously, the long-awaited Karachi Circular Railway project faced another delay, raising concerns about when commuters will get a modern rail transport system.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah expressed concern over the slow progress of the project.
He said the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) should have started operating much earlier. However, financial problems and delays in implementation have slowed its progress.
The railway aims to provide another transport option for commuters in Pakistan’s largest city. Heavy traffic and growing travel demand continue to put pressure on Karachi’s roads.
