PESHAWAR, Jan 20: The long-awaited Hazara Express will be launched on February 15 and ticket reservation offices for the train service will soon be opened in some towns and cities of Hazara region. According to an official handout issued here on Friday, the train, with 15 carriages of economy class, will run between Havelian and Karachi.

The ticket reservation offices are located in Haripur, Abbotabad, Mansehra, Battagram and Balakot and the reservation for the train service would start by February 1.

On the first train, earthquake-affected people would be provided first meal free of charge and the rest of the passengers on no profit no loss basis.

The Railways has decided to launch a bus service from Mansehra and Battagram to Havelian Railway Station.

Hazara Express will reach Karachi or Havelian four hours ahead of other passenger trains of the same destination.

The train service will be a milestone for the entire Hazara region, besides Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas.—-APP