NAROWAL: Commuters relying on the Allama Iqbal Express train have protested against its current schedule, which often leaves them stranded and inconvenienced at the railway station.

The train’s late evening arrival in Narowal has posed problems for passengers, especially those whose onward destinations are remote rural areas.

Dawn learned the Pakistan Railways had previously adjusted the timings of passenger trains to enhance convenience for passengers. However, the new schedule of the Allama Iqbal Express has created problems for the passengers. Earlier, the train used to leave Karachi at 3:30pm, en route to Narowal and Lahore via Sialkot. Frequent delays of two to four hours, and sometimes more, however, were a matter of routine. Despite these problems, passengers say they managed to reach their homes using public transport because the train would arrive at Narowal station by or before 9pm.

Recently, railways changed the train’s departure time from Karachi to 6:30pm, with an official arrival at Narowal at 4:55pm, which unfortunately, never happened and mostly the train hit the station during late evening hours. This forces travelers to rely on private transport providers for their onward journeys.

They say they have been left at the mercy of taxi drivers who exploit their urgency and charge inflated fares. The situation is especially dire for those travelling to villages in Narowal, Pasrur, Chawinda, and Sialkot.

Two passengers, Abdul Rahman and Karimullah, shared their plight. They said the train arrived ath Narowal at 11pm, with no public transport available to reach their homes in Sukhochak. Cab drivers demanded Rs9,000 from them, which was beyond their means, leading them to consider spending the night at the Narowal railway station platform.

Similarly, Muhammad Shoaib and his family were forced to pay additional fares due to the late hour.

Beyond this, people from border villages would often rely on private vehicles to receive their loved ones from the railway station at odd hours.

One family that had traveled from Karachi resorted to sleeping on the floor of the Narowal railway station. Ayesha Aziz, a family member, expressed frustration over the delay, lamenting the absence of public transport and highlighting the discomfort of sleeping at the station without access to facilities.

Railway Traffic Inspector Javed Shah acknowledged the passengers’ grievances and assured that steps would be taken to alleviate their difficulties.

Citizens and travelers have demanded that the prime minister and the Pakistan Railways chairman revert to the previous timetable for the Allama Iqbal Express train.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2023