Pakistan Railways suspends operation of twelve trains to Karachi

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said the government has decided to close down twelve trains from Sunday amid fear of coronavirus spread.

Addressing a news conference, the minister said twenty more trains will be closed from the 1st of the next month as a precautionary measure against the global pandemic.

The suspension of twelve Karachi-bound trains has been confirmed by the railways. The closure would come into effect from March 22 and trains will stop traveling to Karachi from various parts of the country.

The suspended trains are Khushal Khan Khattak Express, Akbar Bugti Express, Sindh Express, Shah Latif Express, Ravi Express and Rohi Express among others.

The minister said the government has completed all arrangements for reducing the rush of passengers and improved cleanliness at Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi Railways stations. He said the screening of all the passengers is also being ensured at railways stations.

The decision was taken on the insistence of the government of Sindh which had requested the Railways to temporarily discontinue the train service to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Passengers who will be affected due to the suspension will be provided alternatives or will be refunded.