THE only local train that was running between Malir Cantonment and Karachi City Station once a day was closed down on Dec 5 last year on the directives of Malir Cantt authorities. They said that the local train entering the cantonment might result in some terrorist activity.

Earlier, two trains were running on this section, one of which was closed down after arson attacks on trains in other parts of the country, particularly when a train was burned on Dec 27, 2007.

At least 300 commuters were most affected by the closure of the only train as they used to board it every morning from Model Colony, just a stop ahead of Malir Cantonment.

Now they have been left with no alternative but to use road transport which is already insufficient for the Malir area.

The local train was relatively an easy means of transportation, especially for women and old people of the area.

However, this facility is no more available now.

Till 1997, the Model Colony railway station had two lines where engines could be switched over to take a train back to the Karachi City Station. Thus there was no need to take a train all the way to Malir Cantonment for a switchover of engines.

Thousands of Malir residents travelled through circular trains on a daily basis and a proper ticket checking system ensured healthy revenue.

However, the Model Colony railway station along with the pedestrian bridge, the station master's room, switches, signals and dual railway tracks were all stripped off by the then federal government under the promise of providing a better alternative to the transportation system of the city.

But that remains a dream so far. In fact, it has turned into a nightmare for the residents of Malir.

We, the residents of Malir, earnestly request the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence and the minister for Pakistan Railways, who had vowed to gift a better railway system to the people of Karachi, to restart at least one train on an urgent basis for the convenience of the people.

If the Model Colony railway station is again equipped with dual tracks, it will solve the problem of taking trains to Malir Cantonment, resolving the security issue for good.

RAIHAN A.K. LODHI
Karachi