On January 31, 2025, the Shalimar Express, en route from Lahore to Karachi, derailed near the Shahdara area of Lahore district. Three coaches veered off the track close to Barkat Town, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The derailment occurred on a bridge, but the train became lodged in the middle, preventing it from toppling into the populated area below. This fortunate positioning averted a potential catastrophe.

In response to the incident, train operations between Lahore and Faisalabad have been suspended, leading to disruptions for both passengers and freight services. Rescue teams, along with railway staff and police, promptly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and assess the damage.

Ameer Ali Baloch, the CEO of Railways, has initiated an investigation into the cause of the derailment. Preliminary reports suggest that the accident was triggered by the failure of an old wooden track, which had been in use for nearly two centuries. This revelation has sparked criticism towards railway authorities for neglecting the maintenance of aging infrastructure.

Efforts are currently underway to restore train services as swiftly as possible. Passengers are advised to stay updated through official channels for information on service resumption.