COVID-19: Pakistan resumes train service from May 20 as the country further eases lockdown
The decision to help millions of passengers travel across the country before Eid holidays
Dubai: Pakistan has announced to resume passengers train service from May 20 as the country further eases lockdown restrictions.
Shaikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Railways said that the train operation across the country would be resumed by Wednesday, May 20. He told a press conference in Rawapindi, the government has allowed to resume the train services across the country to help millions of people travel ahead of Eid holidays. The prime minister has given the approval to resume 30 trains on major routes.
Stranded Pakistanis
The train service will also help stranded overseas Pakistani as they will now be able to reach their homes in remote areas and small towns after landing in major cities.
He expressed his apprehension that if the train operation did not restore timely, Pakistan Railways would not be able to control the rush at railway stations across the country ahead of Eid.
Advance bookings
People had made bookings in advance worth Rs240 million because of the Eid Al Fitr holidays and have been demanding the resumption of train services, he said.
He said the people who had booked tickets in advance would be given priority as soon as the train service resumed in the country, reported APP.
Safety measures
Referring to precautionary measures against the contagious coronavirus, he said trains had already been disinfected and the staff members had been briefed regarding the issued standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We do realise that resumption of train service will multiply our responsibilities in terms of ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers. However, we are ready to take up our duties,” he added.
7,000 police personnel deployed
“No one will be allowed on the train stations without having a ticket. Nearly 7,000 police personnel have been deployed in Karachi, Lahore, Multan Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Quetta [stations] and emergency has been imposed,” he revealed.
The police officials will ensure that people do not enter train stations without tickets.
“If conditions are stable in the month of May, than all train services will resume across the country from June 1,” Rashid said.