SUKKUR: The long-awaited train service between Sukkur and Pannu Aqil is set to be launched within the next few weeks. An ‘e-coaster service’ will also be run between the two cities.

This was announced by Sukkur District Council Chairman Syed Kumail Hyder Shah while reviewing arrangements for the train’s launch, at the Sukkur railway station on Monday.

After setting off from the Rohri locoshed, the train — Ho Jamalo — will stop at various stations on its way to Shikarpur and vice versa, he said.

“A VIP lounge is also being built at the Sukkur railway station for passengers and their families,” he said, and added that students would be charged no fare for the travel by this train for six months after its launch.

District council chairman declares free travel for students during first six months

Shah said he strongly believed that the service would start with the advent of Muharram (i.e. within the next three / four weeks).

He was briefed about progress of work on the train service plan by Pakis­tan Railways Divisi­onal Superintendent at Sukkur Farman Ghani and other officials.

“The purpose of today’s visit is to inspect arrangements for the Ho Jamalo train service. Pakistan Railways and the Sukkur District Council have been closely monitoring execution of the plan for the last one year,” he said, adding that it was now in the final stage.

In reply to the questions asked by local journalists, Shah said: “We will not allow the train’s coaches to be changed … we are in constant touch with the railway authorities in this regard”.

He said that a low-cost motorbike service, along with its ‘Phia’ app, was also being launched to facilitate students’ fast and easy travel to and from their educational institutions.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2026