A deadly train accident that took place near District Sheikhupura on Monday night has raised serious concerns about the safety of rail passengers. The Karachi-bound Shalimar Express hit an oil tanker that was stuck on the track leaving two persons dead and six passengers injured. The official reason for the tragedy claims malfunctioning of the oil tanker is to blame. However, a detailed probe is needed to determine the precise causes of the tragedy. Once again the mammoth Railways ministry has expressed grief, ordered an inquiry and the government announced a compensation package. The situation on the ground, however, told a different story. Reports have suggested that passengers were left on their own after the trauma. Many ended up waiting for hours to resume travel, including that which were taken to the hospital for urgent medical aid. This is the usual display of callous behaviour on the part of the concerned authorities. Since 2013, reportedly over 300 rail accidents have taken place leading to at least 112 deaths. The British built the elaborate railway system in the Indian subcontinent. While India has expanded the network, we have in effect decreased its total size. The infrastructure is outdated and the Railways is mired by overstaffing, corruption, broken systems and overall lack of internal accountability. Now that we are on the CPEC bandwagon and repeat it every day as the harbinger of long-term prosperity, it is time to overhaul the rail infrastructure. The ministry has to avert disasters. There can be no escape from this responsibility. Millions use the railways network as it connects people in far-flung areas and remains a relatively cheaper mode of travel. Its cargo potential is tremendous. Economic benefits aside, the safety of passengers needs be the top priority. Had there been accountability for earlier accidents; and systems fixed, we may have prevented this tragedy. It is time for the government to show that it respects the lives of its citizens and is capable of protecting them. *