LAHORE: Keeping in view the deteriorating flood situation, which washed away rail tracks at various spots, Pakistan Railways (PR) has suspended operation of five express trains on the Main Line-1 for next couple of days, until the rehabilitation of tracks.

The trains whose operations have been stopped included Awam Express, Tezgam Express, Pakistan Express, Karakoram Express and Karachi Express. The operations of Jafar Express and Bolan Mail have already been suspended.

“Due to the rain and flood situation in Sindh and Balochistan, we are left with no option but to stop operation of these trains. It has been done in view of the safety of the passengers,” PR Chief Executive Officer Farrukh Taimur said in a statement on Monday.

He said torrential rains have badly affected the tracks, yards and other infrastructure. “At the moment, on our main line, the floodwater is flowing over the track between Tando Masti Khan-Gambat and Mehrabpur-Lakhro sections. Similarly, the track is under water at various spots in Balochistan,” he said, adding that passengers seeking refund of their tickets may contact the respective PR reservation offices.

It may be mentioned that Pakistan Railways had on Sunday suspended its train operations at various sections after flash floods washed away the tracks at various spots.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2022