THE existing railcar service from Rawalpindi to Lahore is under severe pressure owing to the heavy load of passengers. At times it becomes difficult to reach the station from different points of the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Similarly, Lahore too has expanded in all directions and the passengers face a similar dilemma. The existing railway stations in Rawalpindi and Lahore were made prior to partition and were catering to a population that has grown manifold.

It is, therefore, suggested that a new once-a-day non-stop railcar service be introduced from Rawalpindi’s Chaklala station to Lahore cantonment (Mian Mir) station to cater to the ever-increasing passengers travelling between the Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The infrastructure at both places is already in existence and only some loose ends need to be tied.

The initiative will greatly benefit those living in Islamabad, DHA, Bahria and Chaklala cantonment in Rawalpindi. Similarly, in the case of Lahore, Gulberg, DHA, Model Town and other nearby areas will benefit.

At present, these residential areas are at quite a distance from the available inter-city public transport system, including airports.

Muhammad K. Sufi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2019