60% Of Pakistan’s Accident-Hit Shalimar Express Had ‘Dummy Coaches Without Brakes’: Probe

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 11:56 IST

Shalimar Express met with an accident after hitting a stationary freight train from behind at the loop line of Lakha Road Railway Station in Naushahro Feroze district on Sunday.

An initial inspection by Pakistan Railways has found that 10 of the 18 passenger coaches of the 27-Up Shalimar Express running between Karachi and Lahore were operating as “dummy" coaches. Nine of these, nearly 60 per cent, were running without brakes and required urgent maintenance, according to a report by Dawn.

The Shalimar Express met with an accident after hitting a stationary freight train from behind at the loop line of Lakha Road Railway Station in Naushahro Feroze district on Sunday afternoon. Despite the condition of the coaches, an initial inquiry has held the driver and assistant driver responsible for the accident.

“It is really surprising to see both reports," a Pakistan Railways official source said, as quoted by Dawn.

“The examination of the rake has revealed that nine of the total 18 coaches had no brakes and other issues. On the other hand, the initial investigation holds the driver and assistant driver responsible." The source questioned why the crew was blamed when the brake system was not working and asked why a faulty train was allowed to operate.

What probe report said about the brake failure?

According to the rake examination report, signed by a team led by the train examiner in Sukkur, there were issues with 10 coaches, including ZBH (15028), ZBXH (11264), ZBXH (11288), ZRGH (11496), ZRGH (11499), ZRHG (11421), ZRGH (11561), ZRGH (11507), ZRGH (11461) and ZRGH (11475).

“The brake cylinders of nine of these coaches were not working during checking at the Rohri station," the report stated.

The Joint Certificate, signed by five officers, said the points system was not set for the main line.

It stated that the pointsman and station master showed a red signal, but the driver failed to control the train and overshot, colliding with a goods train standing on Main Line-1 at about 1.43 pm.

The crash led to the derailment and capsizing of the engine, derailment of two coaches, and derailment of three container wagons. This blocked both the up and down main lines as well as the loop line.

The report concluded that the accident was due to negligence by the crew of the 27-Up Shalimar Express, holding the driver and assistant driver responsible.

Train drivers had raised concerns earlier?

Months before the accident, in August last year, train drivers had protested against being blamed for accidents and derailments. They warned of a countrywide strike if Pakistan Railways continued to operate “faulty" coaches and wagons.

News world 60% Of Pakistan’s Accident-Hit Shalimar Express Had ‘Dummy Coaches Without Brakes’: Probe

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