Four coaches of Shalimar Express derail near Shahdadpur, disrupting rail traffic

SANGHAR: Four air-conditioned parlour coaches of the Karachi-to-Lahore Shalimar Express derailed near Shahdadpur railway station on Wednesday, disrupting train movement on both the up and down tracks. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Railway officials said coaches numbered 4, 5, 6 and 7 left the track when the train was being diverted to a loop line because the Awami Express was faulty on the station’s main track. According to the officials, the Shalimar Express was moving at a very slow speed while entering the loop line, which helped avert a major accident and prevented injuries to passengers.

Although no one was hurt, the derailment caused significant damage to the affected coaches as well as the railway track. The disruption led to the suspension of rail traffic on both tracks, while several trains were stopped at different stations.

Passengers remained stranded for hours and faced hardship because of the lack of food and drinking water. Rescue and clearance work began after a crane and a relief train reached the site from Kotri nearly four hours later.

Railway staff started efforts to remove the derailed coaches and restore the damaged track. Railway authorities said work to bring the affected lines back into operation was under way.

Following the incident, Shahdadpur Assistant Commissioner Qamaruddin Rahoopoto arrived at the site along with the DSP Shahdadpur and the SHO, accompanied by police personnel. Local residents, as well as social and political representatives, also gathered at the scene.

Train operations affected

The derailment interrupted operations on a key section of the railway line, leaving passengers waiting at various stations as authorities worked to clear the site. Officials said the train had been shifted to the loop line because of the faulty Awami Express standing on the main track at Shahdadpur station.

The slow speed of the Shalimar Express at the time of the derailment was cited by railway officials as a key factor in preventing a more serious outcome. Even so, the incident damaged both rolling stock and infrastructure, requiring immediate clearance and repair work before normal services could resume. Railway authorities said that work to restore the affected tracks was underway.

The incident drew the attention of local residents and public representatives, who gathered near the site as rescue and restoration efforts continued. Police and civil administration officials also remained present after reaching the area soon after the derailment.