BAHAWALPUR: The Pakistan Railways (PR) has deferred the operation of a passenger train on the Sammasatta-Amruka section because of delay in the repair of the track.

It had planned to start the operation of the passenger train on this abandoned railway section by Dec 15.

Dawn learnt that the PR has delayed the running of the train on the section due to incomplete repair/maintenance work of the track.

The track from Sammasatta to Amruka railway stations on Bahawalnagar-Lahore section had been closed about seven years ago and gradually it became unserviceable. But now, on public demand, the PR has decided to start the operation of the passenger train on this 250-kilometre section for which the repair work has been taken in hand by the PR’s engineering wing.

The train service on the section was to start on 15th

Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO)/PRO of Multan Railway Division Ms Nabila Aslam told Dawn over phone that as the repair work of the Sammasatta-Bahawalnagar track was in progress, the engineering branch has not submitted the completion report.

This, she added, could delay the operation of a passenger train on the restored railway line.

She expressed the hope that it might be possible to introduce a passenger train on the track by the end of the current month.

The Sammasatta-Bahawalnagar-Amruka railway section would also be linked with Lahore.

DISMISSAL: District Police Officer Amir Taimour Buzdar on Thursday dismissed from service five police officials including three sub-inspectors on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty.

PRO Umar Saleem said SIs Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Javed and Muhammad Illyas, head constable Muhammad Musawar Ali and constable Husnain Akhtar had been dismissed from service. Besides, another SI and an ASI have been censured.

BUS STAND: Deputy Commissioner Shozab Saeed has asked the officials to improve the condition of the local general bus stand to provide maximum facilities to the public travelling on inter-city routes.

During an inspection of the bus stand he also warned the officials against dereliction of duty.

He visited the place in response to public complaints and expressed resentment over the condition of the mosque and directed the officials to undertake its repair work on a priority.

He said the bus stand must be improved within 15 days otherwise strict action would be taken against the officials concerned.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2018