0
KARACHI, Aug 22: The rail traffic could not be restored till late Monday night as repair work on the railway line on the Malir railway bridge could not be completed. An inquiry into the incident was ordered by federal Minister for Railways Shamim Haider who visited the place on Monday where the Lahore-bound goods train had derailed.
The Pakistan Railways general manager (operations) had sent a team to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
PR Divisional Superintendent (Karachi) Junaid Qureshi said that the inquiry team had been ordered to complete findings within five days and submit the report. The PR authorities claimed that the derailment was the result of an explosion, whereas police investigators ruled out the possibility of any explosion.
Mr Qureshi said that workers had been trying hard to repair the damaged rail line. All the wagons, except two, had been removed, he said, adding that they too would be removed by midnight.
“We are hopeful that the line will be clear by midnight for train traffic,” he said, adding that the trains for upcountry would be operated from Landhi railway station till the track gets cleared.
APP adds: The Pakistan Railways had made alternate arrangements to facilitate passengers.
According to a statement issued by the divisional office of the Pakistan Railways on Sunday, passengers of incoming trains controlled at Landhi and Bin Qasim stations were shifted to the city by buses.
It said that in order to facilitate passengers and avoid delays, Tezgam, Faisalabad Night Coach, Karachi Express, Karakuram and Mehran Express were originated from Landhi Station and intending passengers were brought to Landhi by buses.
