Railways to partially resume operations from May 10

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Railways on Tuesday announced to resume its operation at limited scale across the country from May 10 amid rising number of the COVID-19 cases in the country.

According to a notification issued by the ministry of Railway, initially 15 trains, including Tezgam, Awam Express, Khyber Mail and other will be operated across the country.

“All the railway stations and train coaches would be disinfected till 10 May so that they could be made ready for resumption of train service”, read the notification.

The notification also said that protective steps for passengers were made mandatory to follow while travelling by trains. Passengers and railways staff has been asked to maintain social distancing during the travel. It further said that 50 percent booking of tickets will be made through online system.

Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed on 30 March had announced that passengers’ train operations would remain suspended amid rising cases of coronavirus. “We decided to resume operations from 1st April, however, the services will remain suspended till further orders,” he added.

Sheikh Rasheed also clarified that the operations of freight trains would continue as per schedule in order to ensure a smooth supply of essential commodities across the country.

Sheikh Rasheed also announced that seven railway hospitals will also be dedicated to treating coronavirus patients, adding that “50-bed quarantine will be established inside a train while a railway hospital having the capacity to accommodate 450 patients will also treat the virus patients in Rawalpindi.”