Shalimar Express train, which was suspended eight months ago following torrential rainfall, has been restored from Lahore to Karachi as of May 1, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

The train was restored from Lahore and Karachi simultaneously at 6 am. 

The Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways Lahore, Muhammad Sufyan Sarfraz Dogar, inaugurated the train from Lahore while Deputy DS Railways Imran Mashal and other officers were also present on the occasion. 

A special auspicious prayer was also offered on this occasion. 

According to DS Railway Muhammad Sufyan Sarfraz Dogar, the maintenance of Shalimar Express train has been done on the direction of the Federal Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique to provide the facility for those who rely on this transportation mean. 

Moreover, special discounts on tickets have also been announced for one month on the instructions of Khawaja Saad Rafiq. 

He added that passengers can enjoy a discount of 20% on the first 15 days of May and 10% from 16 to 31 May. 

The train has eleven economy, two business, two standard, one parlor car, one dinning car, one brake van and one power plant coaches.

The Shalimar Express will make stops in Raiwind, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rohri, Nawab Shah, Hyderabad and Landhi on its route from Lahore to Karachi.

It was learnt that 942 passengers boarded the train from Lahore while more passengers from other stations have also made advance bookings. 

Reporter: Tayyab Saif