By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)
Pakistan Railways, in view of the public demand, has resumed the operations of the Karachi-Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas Mehran Express from City Railway station Karachi on December 20.
Sabir Qaimkhani, a federal lawmaker from NA-226 Hyderabad-II, saw off the passengers of this much-desired public facility.
During the annual DS Special inspection of Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas section two months ago on October 20, the local citizens had persuaded the Divisional Superintendent Karachi, Arshad Khattak at every station on Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas section requesting him for early resumption of train service as road transport fares had drastically soared in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The 149 Up/150 Dn Mehran Express will have a four-and-half hour total journey period for a distance of approximately 250 kilometers between Karachi City and Mirpurkhas, and vice versa, having eight enroute stoppages at Cantonment station, Drigh Road, Landhi, Jung Shahi, Kotri, Hyderabad, Tando Jam and Tando Allahyar.
The train comprises nine economy class coaches and a brake van having a cumulative passenger carrying capacity of 734 people.
The 149 Up departs at 3:55 pm from Karachi City station whereas 150 Down departs at 5 am in the morning from Mirpurkhas.
The resumption of Mehran Express should bring immediate relief to the area people at a time when other modes of transportation are not easily availing these days due to the pandemic related issues.
