The Pakistan Railways has announced to restore the train operation on all sections from today after the suspension of complete passenger train services in March with the advent of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The services were partially resumed in May,2020 ahead of Eidul Fitr but trains were running at 60% of the capacity to ensure social distancing norm.
However, all passenger trains will operate at their full capacity from today (Sunday). According to a notification issued by the Pakistan Railways’ chief executive officer (CEO) on Saturday, trains will offer 100% of their seats for booking from August 9.
The decision is in line with the federal government’s policy to revive all sectors of economy in the wake of decline in coronavirus infections and fatalities.
The government on August 6 announced to allow reopening of restaurants, hotels, cinemas, beauty parlours, gyms and other businesses in the hospitality and recreational sectors by the end of this week – almost five months after they were closed to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Restrictions on the tourism sector, which includes hotels, were to be lifted as early as August 8 (Saturday). Restaurants, cinemas and other businesses as well as shrines and expo centres were allowed to reopen from August 10. The ban on pillion riding and public transport had also been lifted.
These sectors were on the government’s negative list – meaning they posed a greater risk of spreading the infection. Wedding halls and educational institutions will be allowed to operate from September 15.
The decision to reopen these sectors was made during a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Covid-19 chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by representatives from all the provinces.
Federal Minister for Railways Shiekh Rasheed Ahmed said that the government is mulling over handing 10 more trains to the private sector while 3 more freight trains will also be given to private companies.
The minister expanding upon the idea said that the government is also introducing a ‘free track policy’ which will allow private companies to bring in their trains and use Pakistan Railway’s train tracks after paying a set amount to the government for using its resource.
Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed also said that a Mother and Child Hospital for Rawalpindi will also be completed this year.
Speaking at a ceremony at Women’s University in Rawalpindi, he said the 400-bed hospital will have fourteen states of the art operation theatres.
The Minister also announced the establishment of two nursing colleges in the city.
Earlier on March 4, the Pakistan Railways on Wednesday announced to reduce fares by 25 percent on specific trains.
According to a notification, the Pakistan Railways on the advice of Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed has reduced the fares on 21 express trains.
