KARACHI: Trains arriving in Karachi from Punjab, specifically Lahore and Rawalpindi, are delayed due to smog, which has put a load on train operations even where there is no issue of poor visibility.

Passengers had to wait at the Cantonment Railway Station on Wednesday before boarding their respective trains due to this issue.

According to Railways’ officials, they are trying their best to facilitate the passengers by hurrying up things after the trains reach Karachi from upcountry.

“All trains are sent to the washing line after arrival, which also takes time while adding to the delay, but we have found a way to lessen this time,” a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways told Dawn.

The spokesperson explained that they are switching train names. “For instance, Sukkur Express reached here last evening and after getting it cleaned and ready, we changed it into Karachi Express so that Karachi Express’s passengers don’t have to wait too long.

“Meanwhile, when Karachi Express arrived and it was time for Sukkur Express to depart, we had the former train cleaned, ready and renamed as Sukkur Express for the latter’s passengers to board. Like this we are able to cut the washing and cleaning time at least, which usually takes two hours,” the spokesperson said.

“Still, delays due to the smog are ongoing. There is not much else there that we can do about the situation until the weather changes in Punjab,” the spokesperson added.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2023