TAXILA: Passengers travelling on Thall Express and Mari Indus Railcar on Attock and Jand route have complained of severe discomfort due to non-functional fans in several coaches.

According to commuters, temperatures inside the coaches rise significantly during daytime travel, leaving passengers struggling in crowded compartments with little ventilation. Women, children and senior citizens are reported to be among the worst affected.

“We travel regularly between Jand and Attock, but the conditions have become unbearable,” said Shazia Bibi, a passenger travelling on the Mari Indus Railcar.

“The fans are not working and there is hardly any airflow inside the coach. Women travelling with children face particular difficulties in this extreme heat.”

Another passenger, Farzana Kosar, who was travelling on the Thall Express, said the lack of cooling facilities was causing distress among travelers.

“Passengers pay the full fare and expect at least basic facilities. The heat inside the coach is suffocating, especially for elderly people and children. We are forced to complete the journey under very uncomfortable conditions,” she said.

A schoolteacher, Rubina Yasmeen, expressed concern about the impact on elderly passengers. “Many senior citizens use these trains because they are affordable. Some passengers feel dizzy due to the heat, but there is no proper ventilation. The authorities should resolve the issue without delay,” she said.

Regular passengers, especially students and employees of various government and private departments, noted that both services carry a large number of daily commuters. Despite the heavy passenger load, they said, essential facilities had not been maintained adequately.

Local residents and passengers questioned why basic amenities such as functioning fans could not be ensured despite the collection of regular fares.

When contacted, a railway official acknowledged the complaints and said the department was aware of the issue.

“Pakistan Railways is facing financial and operational challenges, but passenger comfort remains a priority. Technical teams have been directed to inspect the affected coaches, and repairs will be carried out wherever required,” the official said.

He added that maintenance work on aging rolling stock often requires the availability of spare parts and workshop schedules, but efforts were being made to improve onboard facilities.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2026