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Pakistan Railways has had more than 55 accidents in 2026, most in the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions

Derailments of coal and freight trains and passenger coaches make up most of the list, Express Tribune reports, along with a sabotage attack on a Quetta shuttle in May.

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Green Pakistan Railways passenger train halted on the track as passengers stand beside the coaches
Green Pakistan Railways passenger train halted on the track as passengers stand beside the coachesPhoto: Shaun D Metcalfe / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Pakistan Railways has recorded more than 55 accidents involving passenger and freight trains since 1 January 2026, railway sources told The Express Tribune, which reported on Sunday 18 October that several people have been killed, dozens injured and millions of rupees of track and rolling stock damaged.

Most of the accidents happened in the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions, the sources said. Most were derailments.

Some of this year's accidents

DateWhat happened
24 MayA shuttle train in Quetta was targeted in an act of sabotage; three coaches damaged
27 AugustTen freight wagons derailed near Khanpur
27 AugustThe engine and two coaches of the Rawal Express derailed near Kala Gujran
2 SeptemberThe power van of the Khyber Mail derailed near Sanjani
6 SeptemberSeven wagons of a coal train derailed
9 SeptemberThree coal-laden wagons derailed at Kotri yard
27 SeptemberYusufwala coal train accident near Khairpur

The Rahman Baba Express was also in a major accident in the Multan division, the report said. Official causes have not been published for most of these.

What the ministry says

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi visited the Steel and Carriage Shops at Mughalpura in Lahore, where he inspected the electric arc furnace and spectro laboratory and told officials to keep to quality standards for railway parts. The Tribune noted that accidents have continued despite the minister's instructions.

What it means if you travel by train

Trains remain the cheapest way to travel long distances for millions of people, and most journeys end without trouble. A few practical points:

  • Book online through Pakistan Railways' RABTA system so your details are on the passenger list; our guide covers RABTA booking, refunds and the 90-day rule.
  • Check delays before you leave: derailments on one section can hold up trains across the network.
  • Keep your CNIC and ticket on you, and know your coach and seat number.

If you are comparing the cost of driving instead, our fuel cost calculator works out a trip in rupees.

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