TAXILA: Train traffic between Attock and Mari Indus on Mianwali route remained suspended on Tuesday morning after heavy rain damaged rail track near Jand, railway sources said.

Most of the passengers, coming to Attock from Mari Indus to celebrate Eidul Azha, left train in the middle of their journey near Massan railway station and had to come on road on foot to catch bus for their destination.

Rains and floodwater damaged the railway track between Shohan and Massan railway station in Jand Sub division of Attock railway division.

According to railway officials, the maintenance staff spotted around six feet wide crater between Shohan and Massan railway station, forcing the railway authorities to suspend the railway traffic.

Rail traffic to be restored today

The Mari Indus Railcar, which runs between Attock and Mari Indus, was stopped near the damaged track to avert any untoward incident.

Scores of families who were heading towards their native hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families took almost four hours to get to the main road on foot to catch bus for their respective destinations.

Musa Khan, who was helplessly waiting for some transport, said he was going from Mari to Bassal to celebrate Eid along with his wife, mother and three children but had been stranded at a deserted place.

Khizar Mehmood, another passenger with his family, said that he was a labourer at a cement factory and was going to Attock to celebrate Eid with his parents but was stuck at a uninhabitated area.

He said with luggage and women, it would be a Herculean task to reach a nearby road on foot to get a public transport.

Ziaullah, who was heading to his hometown near Langer railway station was also in distress. He had no option but to stay with luggage in the train till restoration of rail traffic.

Moreover, Rawalpindi-bound Mehar Express, which was coming from Multan, was diverted to another route from Mianwali railway station.

The officials told Dawn that the floodwater had swept away lower parts of the railway track, making trains vulnerable to derailment. They said railway administration had started rehabilitation work and route would be restored by today (Wednesday).

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2021