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LAHORE: Several passengers travelling in the Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal Express halted the train’s operation twice after the air conditioner in their AC-standard coach stopped working at Lahore station.

An official source said the train arrived in Lahore from Sialkot on time. After departing from Lahore to Karachi, the AC stopped working, causing massive humidity and suffocation. Once at Okara station, passengers blocked the railway line asking the crew members for the restoration of the AC operation.

They were told that the AC repair work would be done at Sahiwal or Khanewal railway junction, as there is no such facility at Okara station.

After receiving some assurances, they allowed the train to depart from Okara. However, when the AC was not repaired at Sahiwal station, they staged another protest in front of the engine on the mainline.

After being assured that the fault would be rectified at Khanewal, the passengers allowed the train to depart.

At Khanewal, the AC plant was showered with water which appeared overheated due to severe hot weather, an official source at Khanewal station said.

He said that problems related to the operation of AC coaches are on the rise due to the hot weather.

“However, the staffers concerned are trying hard to overcome these issues,” he added.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2024