Special Eid train starts chugging

LAHORE/KARACHI:

The Pakistan Railways began its Eid trains operations with the first train leaving the Karachi station on Tuesday, carrying more than 1,000 passengers, while a large number of people were still thronging to booking counters to get a seat on the next train.

The railway stations in Karachi and Lahore, from where these trains would start for upcountry areas, witnessed huge rush on platforms, as people start leaving for their home towns and villages to celebrate Eid with their loved-ones.

This year, the Railways would ply five special Eid trains – three before Eid and two after the auspicious occasion. Among them two trains would start from Karachi to Peshawar and one from Quetta to Rawalpindi.

Lahore, which is a major train stop on the route, witnessed huge rush on passengers. However, there were complaints that people were facing difficulties in getting tickets. Some passengers also complained about strict security measures at the entry point.

Every year, the Railways ply special trains in the days leading to Eid in order to facilitate workers in cities to celebrate Eid in their native areas. Thousands of people use this facility to travel on the occasion of Eid.

The railways also offered discounted rates for special Eid train, however, this year the authorities kept the regular fares. Despite the regular fares, a large number of people thronged to the booking counter in Karachi.

The first Eid train that left Karachi for Peshawar consists of 17 coaches – all economy class – with a cumulative capacity of carrying 1,046 passengers. Another special train will leave the metropolis for Lahore on Wednesday (today).

The second Special Eid train will consist of 18 coaches – two business, two standard class, and 14 economy class. The train will have the capacity of carrying 1,220 passengers.