05 January 2004	Monday	12 Ziqa'ad 1424

LAHORE, Jan 4: The Railways has introduced computerized ticketing for all but three fast trains running on main line. The three trains which have not yet been linked to the computer network are Awami Express (running between Peshawar and Karachi) , Allama Iqbal Express (running between Sialkot and Karachi) and Musapak (running between Lahore and Multan).

Information technology director Waqar Nisar is hopeful that the three remaining trains will also be brought on the network before the end of this month. The computerized ticketing system not only allows the railway authorities to check seat occupancy of trains throughout their routes, but also offers a facility to passengers to get even their return ticket reserved.

The authorities have also changed the reservation procedure at the Lahore railway headquarters booking offices. Now the people seeking reservation will have to line up at some distance from the counter concerned. Only one person will be allowed access to the counter at a time.

The step was necessitated due to persistent complaints of pick-pocketing and over and under-payments by passengers and the booking staff, officials said. There are 14 counters in the booking office - nine for the economy class and five for parlour and AC lower.