It seems that non-stop trains, metro buses and metro trains are meant only for northern and central Punjab
BAHAWALPUR: There was a time when a passenger train used to run between the Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar railway sections. People preferred not to travel by bus or coach and took this train, as buses often demanded more than the fixed fares and were driven at high speeds, which often resulted in accidents. Then, this passenger train was suspended due to a lack of locomotives. People were forced to travel by road, which were in poor condition. Since the suspension of the train, the staff of the Samasatta-Bahawalnagar section has not visited the stations and the track. They don’t come to work, but regularly receive their monthly salaries. The station buildings and platforms remain unchecked. There is no guard present. Drug addicts sit inside the buildings and at platforms to engage in illicit activities. The track has also been damaged at many spots.
It seems that non-stop trains, metro buses and metro trains are meant only for northern and central Punjab as the single train facility for southern Punjab remains suspended. There are many important cities on this track, such as Bahawalpur, Bahwalnagar, Hasilpur and Chishtian. The people of these cities experience difficulty in traveling to other cities. Their business activities are being negatively affected. Now, when many new locomotives have been imported from China, this railway section is still without a single train. While Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique may be working hard to bring the railways back on track, the Samasatta-Bahawalnagar railway track is still not on his agenda. I request Mr Rafique to deal with this serious matter and restore the suspended train service. It should further be given the status of an express train. The people of the region are waiting for action in this regard so that they may also enjoy this mode of conveyance.
Rana Pervaiz Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, August 11th, 2015.
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