APROPOS the news item ‘PR to launch three more train services’, (Nov 23). At the time of partition, Pakistan inherited a part of the well-connected and efficient railways system. It provided with a cheap and comfortable mode of travel and transportation to the public. This railway network started deteriorating in the 1970s. In connivance with road transporters, the railways management sabotaged the system and deprived the people of travelling and goods movement through trains.

To its credit, the present government is reactivating the railway system. Three new train services have been launched — one in Punjab and two in Sindh. Like other upcountry trains, these two Sindh-based trains; Sukkur Express and Shah Latif Express: pass through the Kotri Junction without stopping there. The Kotri Junction connects the railway lines laid on the eastern and western banks of the River Indus, .i.e. the main line, (Karachi- Peshawar via Rohri line), and Karachi-Quetta via Habib Kot-Dadu (branch line). Not long ago, all up and down trains stopped at Kotri so that the public from Larkana-Dadu area got connectivity with the main line trains to and from Karachi.

A bogie was attached here in the Khyber Mail for the upcountry passengers. Kotri is a city in its own right. It is the district headquarters of Jamshoro. But the Kotri Station despite being surrounded by the industrial site and three universities gives a deserted look.

It is requested that in the public interest the Kotri Junction should be restored to its old grandeur and all the trains should stop there even for if for a few minutes. Moreover, the Mohan Jo Daro Express, which terminates at Kotri, like the past, should terminate at Karachi City Station, so that people from the Larkana-Dadu region travel to Karachi comfortably.

Also, a day-time passenger train should be launched between Kotri and Jacobabad via Dadu so that the western side of upper Sindh may be connected by train service to Karachi. Let us revive the old railway system with a new spirit for the public good.

Dr Mehtab Ali Shah
Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2018