LAHORE, Aug 1: The travelling time between Lahore and Karachi by train is expected to be reduced from 16 to 12 hours by 2008 as the Pakistan Railway intends to double the whole track between the two cities and introduce fast trains. A press release issued by the PR stated this.

The PR conducted the first trial run of the fast train on a newly-laid 40 kilometre track between Shershah Station, 10 km from Multan, and Shujabad, yesterday. The train achieved a record speed of 142km per hour, the release said.

PR General Manager (Operations) Abdul Wahab Awan travelled by the test fast train along with divisional superintendent, Multan, and other senior officers. The railways is laying all-welded new and heavier rails equipped with automatic protection system for the operation of fast trains. A new signalling system will also be installed to overcome human error resulting in fatal accidents, it adds.

The railways has already started doubling the 121 kilometre track between Khanewal and Lodhran with installation of automatic train protection system which is expected to be completed by June next year at a cost of Rs3.1 billion.

The Lodhran-Karachi double track is being rehabilitated and upgraded. The remaining 246 kilometre track between Khanewal and Raiwind will be doubled at a cost of Rs.5.7 billion during the next phase.