Heavy Rains and Floods Disrupt Pakistan Railways Operations
ISLAMABAD Heavy rains and severe flooding across Punjab have forced Pakistan Railways to suspend train operations on multiple sections, with major tracks and bridges damaged. According to Dawn and later highlighted by The Observer, repair work is underway but full restoration will take considerable time.
Pakistan Railways Suspension Due to Floods
Floods have caused widespread disruption to railway lines in Punjab and beyond. The Guardian noted that several bridges and embankments have been severely impacted, forcing authorities to halt services for safety reasons.
Key Railway Sections Affected
| Section | Closure Date | Reason | Expected Restoration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narowal Sialkot | Aug 27 | Track breach & displaced bridge span | Sept 12 (expected) |
| Chak Jhumra Shaheenabad | Aug 29 | Flood damage to Bridge No. 132 & 134 | Under reconstruction |
| Wazirabad Sialkot | Sept 3 | Floodwater overtopped tracks | Pending |
| Jhang Shaheenabad | Aug 28 | Breach near Rivaz Railway Bridge | Ongoing |
| Khanewal Shorkot | Sept 3 | Rising water at Abdul Hakim Bridge No. 27 & breaches | Pending |
| Shahdra Faisalabad | Last month | Embankment cut at Bridge No. 10 | Trains with speed restrictions |
| Lahore Badami Bagh | Last month | Tree fall on track, Tezgam Express detained | Cleared |
| Uggoki Sialkot | Last month | 12 inches water overtopped tracks | Cleared after 2 hrs |
| Port Qasim Bin Qasim | Aug 20 | Breaches on both sides | 12 hrs closure |
| Kotri Dadu | Aug 20 | Mud & boulder slides | 3 hrs closure |
| Tando Adam Hyderabad | Aug 22 | Waterlogging in yard | 15 hrs suspension |
| Peshawar Saddar Cantt | Aug 18 | Urban flooding | 2 hrs closure |
Punjab Flood Impact on Train Services
The railway network in Punjab has been hit the hardest, particularly sections near rivers and flood-prone regions. Large breaches in embankments and submerged bridges have left tracks unusable. Engineers are working round the clock to restore connectivity, but The Guardian emphasized that some repairs may take weeks due to continuous water pressure on vulnerable bridges.
Major Train Service Disruptions in Pakistan
- Narowal Sialkot: Closed since August 27, restoration expected by mid-September.
- Chak Jhumra Shaheenabad: Flood damage to two major bridges.
- Wazirabad Sialkot: Track completely unsafe due to overtopping water.
- Khanewal Shorkot: Rising river levels worsened conditions with multiple breaches.
- Other routes across Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also faced delays and temporary closures.
FAQs
Q1: Why has Pakistan Railways suspended operations on multiple routes?
Floods and heavy rains have damaged bridges, tracks, and embankments, making train movement unsafe.
Q2: Which railway sections are most affected?
Key closures include Narowal Sialkot, Chak Jhumra Shaheenabad, Wazirabad Sialkot, Jhang Shaheenabad, and Khanewal Shorkot.
Q3: When will services resume?
Restoration timelines vary. Some lines may reopen by mid-September, while others remain under repair with no confirmed reopening dates.
Q4: Has this disruption impacted freight trains as well?
Yes. Several freight routes, including Tando Adam Hyderabad and Port Qasim Bin Qasim, were suspended due to flooding and waterlogging.
Q5: What safety steps are being taken?
Pakistan Railways has imposed speed restrictions on partially damaged routes and suspended services where risks remain high.
