LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has denied that the train schedule is being changed and said the service will continue on 70 percent occupancy in line with coronavirus guidelines.
A spokesperson of Pakistan Railways denied rumours circulating in various sections of the media that the federal government was considering suspending operations of all passenger trains throughout the country.
The spokesperson said Pakistan Railways has said that train service will continue with 70% passenger occupancy across the country and no decision has been taken to close the service.
Denying reports of train closures, the spokesperson said no train had been stopped so far but they would comply if any order was issued by the government.
Earlier, the decision of the NCOC meeting had banned all indoor and outdoor celebrations, including weddings across the country and allowed 70 percent passengers to travel in trains.
It was earlier reported that the Ministry of Railways had decided to halve the number of trains and allow 50 percent occupancy of passengers in trains from March 30.
Passenger trains are currently running with 70 percent occupancy throughout the country as per the new restrictions imposed by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) in the wake of the third wave of the pandemic.
Last week, Pakistan Railways (PR) has been directed its all reservation offices to avoid making 100 percent booking. The railway authorities in all seven divisional formations had also been directed to ensure implementation of the SOPs in all trains strictly in accordance with the enforcement laws.
Railway officials said passengers not wearing masks would not be allowed to board the trains. They would also be checked during the journey whether or not they are wearing masks and observin social distancing.
