Passengers return to India as Samjhauta resumes service

Published March 5, 2019
Samjhauta Express brings 12 passengers from Attari to Lahore. — AFP/File
Samjhauta Express brings 12 passengers from Attari to Lahore. — AFP/File

LAHORE: Carrying 185 passengers, including many who had been stranded here since last week, the Samjhauta Express re­sum­ed its operation amid tight security on Monday from the Lahore railway station to Attari via Wagah.

“Though the departure time was 8am, the train departed from Lahore at 8.23am. As many as 185 passengers, including several who couldn’t travel last Thursday due to the cancellation of the service, were on board,” an official of the Pakistan Railways (Lahore Division) told Dawn.

Despite the tension prevailing between the two countries, the train continued operating from Lahore-Attari-Lahore via Wagah twice a week till last Monday.

On Thursday, the service was suspended by top authorities in the wake of increasing tension between the two countries. Due to the cancellation of the train, many passengers intending to travel to India remained stuck in Lahore for a few days.

“The 185 passengers included many who had confirmed reservation/tickets for Thursday. After the train’s cancellation, they got refunds of their tickets. They finally left on Monday,” the official said. He added that 12 passengers also returned from Attari to Lahore.

“Hopefully, the train that would depart for Attari on Thursday would bring back more passengers stranded in India,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2019

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...