HYDERABAD / KARACHI: All railway operations will remain suspended today, Monday, July 20, after 17 bogies of a freight train derailed near Matiari, blocking both up and down tracks.
The accident occurred near Wahab Shah Railway Station in Matiari district, Sindh, where 17 bogies of a freight train went off the track, leading to complete closure of the main line in both directions.
Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railways Sukkur, Farman Ghani confirmed the incident, stating that all passenger and freight trains have been stopped at various railway stations as a safety measure following the derailment.
“A large portion of the track has been badly affected. Restoration will take considerable time, but efforts are underway on an emergency basis to clear both tracks and resume operations as soon as possible,” DS Sukkur said.
He informed that a relief train dispatched from Rohri is expected to reach the accident site by 10 pm tonight, while another relief train has also been dispatched from Kotri to assist in the clearance and restoration work.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commercial Officer, Pakistan Railways Karachi, said the track is likely to remain suspended for up to 24 hours due to the severity of the damage. As a result, all scheduled train services have been suspended for today.
According to railway officials, several up-country and down-country trains have been halted at different stations. The Karakoram Express has been stopped at Hyderabad station, Allama Iqbal Express at Kotri, Pakistan Express at Landhi station, Tezgam Express at Drigh Road, while Millat Express and Farid Express have been stopped at Kokan station.
Pakistan Railways Karachi Division has announced that all affected passengers within Karachi Division limits will be given a full refund.
