The federal government, on Friday, announced its decision to partially resume railway operations before Eid.
The railway operation will be restored in phases. In the first phase, 24 passenger trains are expected to resume operations while strictly abiding by the preventive guidelines and SOPs which are currently being devised.
According to details, railway booking offices will remain closed, and only online ticket booking service will be available.
Furthermore, meal services will be temporarily suspended and passengers will have to bring their own food supplies for the journey.
The decision comes as Railway department has been facing a severe economic crisis due to the shutdown of passenger service operations amid COVID-19 travel restrictions. The department is struggling to pay due pensions and salaries to its employees.
Prior to this, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had rejected Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed’s proposal for resumption of railway operations from May 10.
It is to be noted that earlier, Punjab government has also decided to allow the resumption of public transport services across the province.
