Mohenjo Daro Express resumes service after six-month suspension
The Mohenjo Daro Express resumed its operation from Rohri station on Sunday after remaining suspended for nearly six months. The train departed with six coaches carrying several hundred passengers and reached Larkana in the afternoon.
A large number of people gathered at Larkana Railway Station to welcome the passengers, railway staff and the return of the service. The restoration has brought relief to passengers who depend on rail travel for affordable transportation across parts of Sindh.
Passengers celebrate train’s return
The arrival of the Mohenjo Daro Express turned into a celebration at Larkana Railway Station. People welcomed the train staff and passengers by showering rose petals on the driver and crew. Railway officials, including Station Master Ayaz Abbasi, also took part in the celebrations.
Traditional Sindhi music was played at the station as residents marked the return of the train service. The scenes reflected the importance of the train for communities that had been without the service for several months.
Passenger campaign helped bring service back
The restoration followed a sustained campaign by regular passengers and residents. People held rallies in different parts of Sindh after the service was suspended and repeatedly demanded that Pakistan Railways bring the train back.
Campaign leaders said the suspension had created difficulties for a large number of commuters who depended on the service. They said the train had provided an affordable way to travel between towns and cities along its route. The campaign eventually helped keep the demand for restoration in the public focus.
Why was the train suspended?
The Mohenjo Daro Express had been suspended after railway authorities raised concerns about its financial performance.
A report published before the restoration said the train had generated around Rs70.584 million in revenue against annual fuel expenditure of Rs231 million, resulting in an estimated loss of about Rs160.416 million.
Railway officials had also cited widespread ticketless travel as one of the factors affecting revenue. The financial concerns had raised doubts about whether the service could continue on a sustainable basis.
Railway minister thanked for restoration
Campaign leaders thanked the federal government and the railways minister for supporting the restoration of the Mohenjo Daro Express. They said the return of the train would provide relief to people who rely on public transport for daily and intercity travel.
They also urged passengers to use the service regularly. According to the campaign leaders, higher passenger numbers and better revenue would help Pakistan Railways maintain the service in the future.
The appeal comes as the railway department continues efforts to restore suspended services in different parts of the country. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi had earlier announced that the Mohenjo Daro Express would be restored as part of a phased revival of suspended train services.
Train connects several areas of Sindh
The restored service connects several important areas of Sindh, including Rohri, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Sehwan Sharif and Kotri. According to the latest reported schedule, the train operates between Kotri Junction and Rohri/Sukkur Junction.
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It leaves Kotri Junction at 7am and reaches Rohri after a journey of around 12 hours. The route passes through several towns and provides an important rail link for passengers travelling between upper and central Sindh.
The service is also relevant for tourists travelling towards Mohenjo Daro, the archaeological site that gives the train its name. The railway connection can provide another affordable travel option for visitors and local communities along the route.
Demand grows for railway track upgrades
Along with welcoming the restoration, campaign leaders have called for further improvements to railway infrastructure in Sindh.
They urged the railways minister to upgrade the Larkana-Karachi railway tracks. According to the campaign leaders, better tracks could help Pakistan Railways operate additional services on the route.
They specifically called for the return of services such as the Bolan Mail and Khushhal Khan Khattak Express. The demand comes as authorities discuss wider plans to modernise railway infrastructure and restore suspended services across Sindh.
Pakistan Railways plans wider restoration
The restoration of the Mohenjo Daro Express is part of broader efforts to revive railway services.
The railways minister had said suspended train services would be restored in phases to improve passenger facilities and connectivity. The federal and Sindh governments have also agreed to work on modernising railway services in the province.
Their plans include restoring branch routes, improving passenger facilities and accelerating infrastructure projects. The two sides have also discussed measures to improve railway safety and protect railway land from encroachments.
What happens next?
The main challenge for the restored Mohenjo Daro Express will be maintaining regular passenger demand and ensuring that the service remains financially sustainable. For passengers, the return of the train means another affordable option for travelling between several areas of Sindh.
For Pakistan Railways, regular use of the service will be important as the department seeks to balance passenger needs with operating costs. Further track improvements could also determine whether additional trains can return to the route in the future.
