Train tragedy

Same old story

Few people hold high hopes with the railway ministry’s investigation as the death toll from the Jaffer Express accident begins to rise – 19 now dead with hundreds injured, dozens of them quite seriously. The trend, under the present dispensation, has been to point the finger first at terrorism and then undertake a serious assessment of the situation. But this time, wisely, failed breaks were identified as the reason before needless panic could spread. This reflex action, of sorts, is understandable, especially in and around Balochistan. Separatists demanding greater autonomy have been sabotaging government infrastructure and property for years, and sectarian fault-lines have led to considerable violence as well.

But the other matter, technical failure, is no less complicated. Railways have been in terminal decline for decades. It is the typical dysfunctional PSE. Overstaffed by corrupt, inefficient political appointees, it stopped being productive a long time ago. Railway infrastructure, especially tracks – inherited largely from the British – is in a state of continuous neglect and decay; with the ministry always without sufficient funds for a thorough upgradation. Under such circumstances, accidents like Bolan are natural, especially since there is little movement at the top to take necessary steps, which will undoubtedly involve political and financial costs.

Ironically, the railway sector has been hit by a string of misfortunes just as the government was trying to sell it as an impressive turnaround story. Nawaz Sharif has given Saad Rafique more than one pat on the back in front of the camera, and hoped other ministries would follow his example. Since Pakistan does not promote a culture of responsibility – where ministers tend to resign after mishaps under their watch – the best Saad Rafique can do from here is ensure the investigation is thorough and corrective action is taken. But for that, importantly, the finding would have to suggest more than just checking the brakes before taking the trains out.