‘Maintenance work’ mars train operations

Perennial delays in arrival and departure of trains bring further losses to department

LAHORE:

Major train operations across the country have been marred by hours-long delays causing great incontinence to passengers, it emerged on Friday.

As administrative and other issues continue to haunt the railway services, several train operations between Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Quetta, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi were reported to have experienced delays of two to five hours.

Troubled passengers, endlessly waiting with no arrival of their booked trains in sight, were seen bemoaning the disruptions which they said have become frequent.

Meanwhile, the perennial delays in arrival and departure of various trains and slow-paced redevelopment projects are said to have intensified the financial woes of the railways already incurring losses.

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Many train operations had to be cancelled due to the ongoing maintenance activities underway on various tracks, leaving commuters with no option but to get their tickets refunded.

Railway officials cited track maintenance work in progress at some of the sections as the reason for some disruptions. However, they assured that train operations will be restored in a few days.

According to reports, Shah Hussain delayed for 5 hours while Pakistan Express experienced the delay of 4 and a half hours. Farid Express, the route of which runs from Karachi to Lahore, was delayed by 3 hours.

Besides, the Sir Syed Express was delayed for 3 hours and the Green Line Express train was delayed for two and a half hours.