Landslide Halts Train Services in Attock’s Jand Tehsil, Leaving Passengers Stranded for Hours

On Friday, heavy rain caused a landslide between the Jhamat and Chhab railway stations in Attock’s Jand tehsil, Punjab, obstructing the Attock–Mari Indus–Multan line and halting train services, leaving numerous passengers stranded.

A track maintenance official said that mud and debris washed onto the line after the downpour, forcing authorities to suspend services as a safety precaution. One train was left stranded near Tunnel No. 129, and the 202‑Up passenger service was stopped at Jhamat Railway Station.

The interruption inconvenienced hundreds of travellers, especially women, children and elderly passengers.

Many passengers complained about the absence of basic amenities during the unexpected delay. Women on the affected train reported shortages of drinking water and uncertainty about when service would resume.

“We understand that safety comes first, but passengers should be provided with drinking water and timely updates during emergencies,” a female passenger, Zahura Batool, told Dawn’s correspondent.

“Many people had not prepared for a long stop. There should be arrangements for water and refreshments when trains are stranded,” she said.

“Passengers are anxious because they do not know how long the delay will last. Regular announcements would help reduce concerns,” he added.

Railway officials said emergency maintenance crews were promptly dispatched to the location to remove the debris and restore service.

“The track was blocked due to rain‑induced landsliding. Our technical staff has worked continuously for hours to remove the debris and ensure the safety of train operations before allowing traffic to resume,” a railway official said.

Officials confirmed that the track was cleared Friday evening following a final safety inspection, with no casualties or injuries reported.

The incident underscores the difficulties railway operations face during the monsoon season, especially in hilly and mountainous regions where heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and disrupt transport links.

In April, a landslide blocked the track between Jhalar and Salmanabad stations in the Kala Chitta mountain range, roughly 25 kilometres from Attock, forcing a train to halt and leaving passengers stranded.

Railway officials said heavy rainfall and severe weather triggered a landslide in the mountainous area, sending large boulders onto the track.

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