Pakistan Railways Monday decided to resume the railways operations countrywide from May 20 to May 30 after getting a go ahead for Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed while addressing a news conference said that the final decision on resumption of train services was made after meeting with Prime Minister Khan’s approval.

The news brings good news for hundreds of thousands of people who wanted to celebrate the Eidul Fitr with their loved ones in their cities and towns. 

Sheikh Rasheed said he got the approval for the ‘poor man’s vehicle’ and all the SOPs would be followed strictly to stem the deadly COVID-19.

Talking to newsmen in Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rashid said that Pakistan Railways has already booking of tickets worth Rs230.2 million.

The minister said that he would take action against the Railways Divisional Head if the SOPs violation found in any division.

The minister said it has been strictly advised that passengers should come alone at the railways stations and should not bring anyone with them.

He said 50 percent revenue of Pakistan Railways earned from Eid holidays. Pakistan Railways will provide pensions and salaries to its all staff and pensioners before Eid.

Sheikh Rasheed questioned that planes and buses have been allowed what Pakistan Railways have done wrong to anyone?

He said that if the train operations would not be resumed there are fears of more loss to Pakistan Railways. “We are now at no profit any loss in our operations,” he added.

Passengers have bought tickets worth Rs230.2 million online and Pakistan Railways would have to return the money if the operation would not be resumed during the Eid holidays.

Sheikh Rashid said trains have been disinfected properly and measures have been taken to combat the COVID-19 while special guards will be deployed to protect the trains. “We appeal passengers to take all the measures and implement the SOPs to prevent the spread of virus,” the minister said.