A potentially major railway disaster was averted on Tuesday after the Green Line Express derailed near the Bakery Chowk area shortly after departing from Rawalpindi Railway Station.

The incident occurred between Rawalpindi and Nur Junction when the locomotive and several coaches of the high-profile express train went off the tracks. Fortunately, railway authorities confirmed that the train was operating as an “empty rake” at the time, meaning there were no passengers on board. As a result, no injuries or loss of life were reported.

Immediate Response by Authorities

Officials from Pakistan Railways quickly reached the scene along with rescue teams to secure the area and prevent further disruption. The site was cordoned off as technical staff began assessing the extent of the damage to both the rolling stock and the track infrastructure.

Heavy machinery and a relief train were dispatched from the Rawalpindi division to initiate clearance operations and restore rail traffic as soon as possible. Authorities stated that efforts were underway to ensure minimal disruption to other scheduled train services.

Initial Cause Points to Track Issues and Speed

Preliminary investigations suggest that the derailment may have been caused by a combination of poor track maintenance and overspeeding at a curve. Railway engineers are conducting a detailed technical inspection to determine the exact cause and to assess whether negligence or mechanical failure played a role.

The Green Line Express is considered one of Pakistan Railways’ flagship services, connecting major cities across the country. The derailment has once again raised concerns about railway safety standards, infrastructure upkeep, and operational protocols.

While the absence of passengers prevented a tragedy, authorities are expected to release a formal inquiry report in the coming days. Meanwhile, restoration work continues at the site to bring normal operations back on track.