Lahore: The Pakistan Railways (PR) resumed train services across the country today (May 20) following the government’s recent approval to this effect, a news source reported. The permission to resume train operations was granted by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Monday (May 18) on the special request of Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed; who has also intimated that no reduction in travelling fares would be offered at present.
Reportedly, 30 trains in total will be made operational across the country — with the implementation of certain SOPs against the coronavirus spread made mandatory during this period. The PR had earlier shared the SOPs for restarting train operations, the violation of which will result in fines worth upwards of PKR 500 for the passengers. In case of a second violation, the department will impose an additional fine of PKR 1,000. Further violations will result in the passenger’s removal from the train.
According to Railways Deputy Superintendent Amir Nasir, all the department’s offices will remain closed — with ticket sales and bookings to me made online. He further stated that in order to ensure the safety of all passengers and to minimize the chances of COVID-19 transmission, the department will be running trains at 60% capacity; with the remaining seats and berths expected to be empty.
As per the finalised SOPs, all passengers are required to reach their respective railway stations one hour before departure time. However, the passengers’ relatives, friends and any other known associates that are not passengers themselves will not be allowed within the train station’s premises. Additionally, all passengers are required to wear face masks and carry hand sanitisers and soaps. They are also to ensure social distancing and travel only in the cases of emergency.
As part of the PR’s precautionary measures, sanitizing walk-through gates have already been installed at all operational train stations, arrangements have been made to check the passengers’ temperatures, and medical officers have been deployed at the terminals to deal with any emergencies. Moreover, the department’s staff have been tasked with ensuring that each passenger exercises all social distancing protocols throughout their journey.
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