Heavy rains halt eight trains in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
Severe waterlogging forced railway authorities to suspend train movement on the affected section from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eight trains travelling towards Lahore, Multan, Quetta and Karachi were affected by the suspension. Trains arriving from Lahore and Karachi were also stopped from passing through the waterlogged section.
Passengers stranded for several hours
The disruption left hundreds of passengers stranded for around six to eight hours at different points. Some passengers reportedly staged protests over the lack of food and other basic facilities during the prolonged wait.
The situation caused considerable inconvenience to travellers, particularly those making long-distance journeys. Railway authorities continued to monitor the track while waiting for the water level to recede.
Several major trains were held at Chaklala station
Pakistan Express, Khyber Mail, Rehman Baba and Tezgam were among the trains affected by the disruption. Two Rawalpindi-Lahore Railcars were also held at Chaklala Railway Station.
The suspension affected passengers travelling to several major cities and disrupted normal railway schedules. Railway officials were unable to allow trains to pass through the affected section because of safety concerns.
Waterlogging makes railway track hazardous
Railway authorities declared the Manikyala-Sihala section highly hazardous because of the standing water. Officials restricted trains operating through the area to speeds of between 10 and 15 kilometres per hour as a precaution.
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Experts also warned against running trains on the waterlogged track, highlighting the risks associated with operating heavy railway equipment on submerged tracks. Authorities therefore prioritised passenger safety while assessing the condition of the railway line.
Rawalpindi faces continued heavy rainfall
The railway disruption comes as Rawalpindi continues to receive heavy rainfall for the fourth consecutive day. Persistent rain has increased water accumulation in several areas and created additional challenges for transport operations.
The continued downpour has also made it difficult for authorities to quickly clear water from the railway track. Further rainfall could prolong the disruption if water levels remain high.
Railway services to resume after safety clearance
Railway authorities said services on the Manikyala-Sihala section would resume once the water recedes. Officials will also inspect the track before allowing trains to pass through the affected area.
The track must be declared safe for train movement before normal operations can resume. Passengers have been advised to remain patient as railway officials work to restore services while keeping safety as the priority.
What the disruption means for passengers
The temporary suspension highlights the challenges faced by railway operations during periods of heavy rainfall.
Long-distance passengers depend heavily on scheduled train services, and prolonged delays can affect connecting journeys, work plans, and other travel arrangements. The disruption also shows how waterlogging can quickly affect major transport routes when heavy rain continues for several days.
