The wait ends: Train service resumes after 26-hour-long hiatus

Pakistan Railways resumed train services after hiatus due to tracks besieged protesters.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Railways resumed train services after a 26-hour-long hiatus during which the tracks had been besieged by people protesting against the recent bomb blasts in Quetta.

Protesters occupied the tracks near the Malir 15 intersection on Sunday because of which a dozen passenger trains at different stations, including those in Landhi and Drigh Colony, had to be stopped. The trains which were held up due to the blockade include Allama Iqbal Express, Pakistan Business Express, Sukkur Express and Khyber Mail.

According to railway officials, train schedules also had to be redrawn because of the blockade.

Thousands of travellers heaved a sigh of relief when the blockade was lifted at 3pm on Monday. Many of the stranded passengers had to contend with a shortage of food and water in addition to the cold weather.

An official at the inquiry desk of the Pakistan Railways, Muhammad Ibrahim, said that the passengers who couldn’t travel due to the disruption in services have already been reimbursed.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2013.