Islamabad, Feb 31: Pakistan Railways has announced revised working hours for reservation offices nationwide during the holy month of Ramadan to facilitate passengers and staff. As per the official notification issued on Friday, the new schedule will see reservation offices operating in two shifts.
The morning shift will run from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the evening shift will be from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. However, on Fridays, there will be a break for Juma prayers from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Offices that already function in a single shift will continue with their regular working hours.
These revised timings will remain in effect until the 15th of Ramadan, after which all offices will revert to their usual schedules. The decision has been made to accommodate the needs of fasting passengers and railway staff while ensuring uninterrupted operations during the month.
In a separate development, Pakistan Railways has suspended the Sir Syed Express after the private company managing its operations withdrew due to financial difficulties. The train, which connected Karachi and Rawalpindi, was among the services outsourced to the private sector. Its suspension has caused inconvenience to passengers who relied on it for long-distance travel between the two major cities.
However, in a positive move, Pakistan Railways has resumed the Shah Hussain Express, restoring an essential link between Karachi and Lahore. The train departed from Karachi Cantonment Station at 7:30 PM, with an expected arrival in Lahore at 2:15 PM the following day. It will make stops at key cities including Hyderabad, Rohri, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Khanewal, and Faisalabad.
For the return journey, the Shah Hussain Express will leave Lahore at 7:00 PM, reaching Karachi at 2:05 PM the next day. The train comprises 10 economy-class coaches, 2 AC business-class coaches, 2 AC standard-class coaches, along with a power plant and a brake van.
The resumption of this service is expected to provide much-needed relief to travelers, especially during Ramadan, when intercity travel demand surges. While the suspension of Sir Syed Express highlights ongoing financial challenges, the revival of Shah Hussain Express signals Pakistan Railways’ commitment to maintaining essential transport services.
