Travellers throng railway station on eve of Eid holidays

Long queues seen at booking office amid strict security measures

LAHORE:

A large number of people thronged the Lahore railway station on Saturday to travel to their hometowns to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their families.

There were long queues of people at the reservation office for tickets, while strict security arrangements had been made by the railway police for the safety of the passengers.

There was a rush of men, women and children traveling from Lahore railway station to other cities ahead of the Eid holidays.

Special trains are also being run by the railway administration to enable maximum people to go to their home areas for the occasion.

Passengers were allowed to enter the station only through walk-through gates after checking with metal detectors.

Suspicious individuals and unattended goods were monitored with the help of closed-circuit cameras and each passenger was thoroughly checked before entering the station.

Meanwhile, Railway Divisional Superintendent (DS) Hanif Gul issued instructions for ensuring the availability of fresh food, bedding and other necessary items at the fixed rates in the trains and on platforms on the Eid days.

The officials concerned were instructed to facilitate the passengers traveling in trains on Eid.

The DS said essential items would be sold at discounted rates to the passengers on the platforms of the railway stations.

In addition, special care will be taken for cleanliness at the stations and in trains. Round-the-clock cleaning arrangements will be made.

He also requested the passengers to take special care for maintaining cleanliness at the platforms.

A passenger awaiting a train, Ali Raza, said his family preferred to travel by train because the journey was comfortable.

He said the decision to operate additional special trains would greatly benefit the passengers.

Another traveller, Aisha, said availability of affordable and healthy food on the trains must be ensured.