LAHORE: Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi says that restoration of traffic on Lahore-Faisalabad (via Sheikhupura) railway track will take at least four months, as the recent devastating flood played havoc in the area, damaging a bridge and a portion of the track badly.

“The situation, after the flood, demands construction of a new bridge and the track that will take around four months approximately,” he said while talking to Dawn on Sunday.

“I have ordered for carrying out a feasibility report in this regard that will take at least 20 days. After this, the construction work will start for a new bridge along with the new track. I can challenge that no one can do this work within a period of four months,” he explained.

Earlier, the officials had said that the route would be restored within a month.

Says the route needs new bridge as the flood damaged bridge and track badly

According to the minister, the railways had already made alternate arrangements to run the trains (on this route) through other routes. Those bound for Karachi and other destinations in the south via Faisalabad have been assigned the route via Sahiwal and Khanewal on main line-1. Similarly, those bound for Faisalabad route have been put on other local routes to operate so that there could be no deficit in the revenue.

On Sunday, Mr Abbasi also carried out a detailed inspection of the railway bridge and track affected by the recent floods near Missan Kalar (Sheikhupura district).

Accompanied by Railways CEO Muhammad Hafizullah, AGM Infrastructure Hammad Hassan Mirza, divisional superintendent Lahore and other senior railway officers, the minister travelled on a railway trolley to inspect the affected section and reviewed the condition of the bridge and track. He was given a detailed briefing by the railways CEO and officers concerned on the damage to the affected portion of the bridge and track, suspension of traffic, current situation and the proposed restoration measures.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Abbasi directed the relevant authorities to prepare and submit a feasibility report for the restoration of the bridge within 20 days, covering all necessary technical and construction requirements. He stated that following completion of the feasibility report, the civil work for reconstruction of the bridge and restoration of the affected railway track should be undertaken by the PR engineers. He was of the view that the restoration work must be completed expeditiously while ensuring all required safety standards and technical specifications.

The federal minister urged officers and employees to fulfill their responsibilities to facilitate the restoration of operations, adding that the passenger convenience and the safe movement of trains remained the top priority.

DEFENCE PACT: The Pakistan Railways (PR) headquarters in Lahore was illuminated and decorated with national flags to mark the signing of a defence agreement of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

Several other major railway stations, including the one in Rawalpindi, were also illuminated to celebrate the development. The railways minister congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for the historic defence agreement among the three countries. He termed the agreement an important milestone in Pakistan’s successful diplomacy and effective foreign policy.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has given a new direction to defence and strategic cooperation with brotherly Muslim countries.” Mr Abbasi described the agreement as a strong symbol of unity among the Muslim countries and their shared commitment to security.

The minister said the pact would further enhance Pakistan’s international standing, defence capabilities and diplomatic achievements.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026