ISLAMABAD: Railways Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmad on Saturday said that the organisation would suffer a loss of Rs2.353 billion after the suspension of passenger trains. However, he hoped, the loss would be considerably recovered from the operations of freight trains.

Pakistan Railways is currently operating a dozen of freight trains.

Addressing a press conference, he said Pakistan Railways would suspend 42 trains by April 1 as part of measures to restrict the transmission of coronavirus pandemic.

The minister said 12 trains (6-up+6-down) would be suspended from Sunday evening whereas 22 trains (11-up+11-down) would go off the track from Tuesday morning and eight trains (4-up+4-down) would be suspended on April 1.

He said Khushhal Express, Akbar Express, Sindh Express, Ravi Express, Shah Latif Express and Rohi Express (6-up+6 down) will be suspended from Sunday evening where­­as Jinnah Express, Bolan Express, Moenjodaro Express, Thal Express, Marvi Express, Samman Shakir Express, Faisalabad Express, Mosa Pak Express and Chenab Express will go of the track on March 25.

Rashid says 42 passenger trains will go off the tracks by April 1

Shaikh Rashid said the notification for suspension of trains would remain effective till 15th of Ramazan. The notification would either be revoked or renewed keeping in view the situation, he added.

The minister advised people to undertake train journey only when it was extremely essential, saying that it was not possible for railways to handle 200,000 passengers daily. This number is now going down with the decrease in the number of passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan Railways is currently running 142 passenger trains.

About a total shutdown, the railways minister said he was not empowered to do so; only the prime minister could take decision in this regard. However, he said he agreed with the prime minister against the total shutdown.

Shaikh Rashid said that he had discussed with the prime minister that the federal government assumed the responsibility of the pension of railway employees. He said the major blow to the revenue of Pakistan Railways was the suspension of passenger trains to Karachi from Rawalpindi, Lahore and Quetta. Jinnah Express was giving revenue of Rs100 million, he said.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2020