Shalimar Express to resume from August 14 with new route

The train service was suspended after floodwater affected the Qila Sattar Shah railway bridge, disrupting its previous route.

With the restoration of the service, passengers will once again have a direct rail option for travelling between Lahore and Karachi. However, the train will operate on a revised route and will no longer travel through Faisalabad as it did previously.

Shalimar Express to operate on revised route

According to Pakistan Railways officials, Shalimar Express will travel from Lahore to Karachi via Sahiwal under the new route plan.

The revised route has been introduced after floodwater affected the railway bridge, making changes to the previous route necessary. Previously, Shalimar Express travelled from Lahore to Karachi via Faisalabad.

Pakistan Railways has now changed the route to restore the train service while addressing the disruption caused by the affected railway infrastructure. Passengers have been advised to check the revised route before planning their journey.

Five new stops added to the route

Pakistan Railways has also introduced five new stops for Shalimar Express under the revised route. The new stops include Kot Lakhpat, Raiwind, Okara, Sahiwal and Sadiqabad. The addition of these stations is expected to provide more travel options for passengers from these areas.

People travelling to Karachi from these cities and surrounding areas will be able to benefit from the restored train service. The revised route is also expected to make rail travel more convenient for passengers who previously relied on other transport options.

Floodwater disruption led to suspension of service

Officials said the Shalimar Express service was suspended after floodwater affected the Qila Sattar Shah railway bridge. The disruption to the railway route forced Pakistan Railways to suspend the service and review the train’s operational route.

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Following route adjustments, the authorities have decided to resume the train service from August 14. The change means passengers should not expect the train to follow its old route through Faisalabad. Instead, Shalimar Express will now operate on the revised route via Sahiwal.

Passengers are advised to plan according to the new route

Pakistan Railways has advised passengers to plan their journeys according to the revised route and newly added stops.

Travellers who previously boarded or left the train at stations along the Faisalabad route may need to consider alternative travel arrangements. At the same time, the addition of Kot Lakhpat, Raiwind, Okara, Sahiwal and Sadiqabad is expected to benefit passengers from these areas.

The restoration of the service is particularly important for people who regularly travel between Punjab and Karachi. Passengers are advised to confirm the latest schedule and stopping stations before beginning their journey.

What the restoration means for passengers

The return of Shalimar Express will restore an important travel option between Lahore and Karachi after the suspension of the service.

The revised route is expected to improve access for passengers from several cities, particularly those included among the five new stops. However, the change will also affect passengers who previously used the Faisalabad route.

The restoration reflects Pakistan Railways’ efforts to resume train operations despite the disruption caused by floodwater. For now, passengers planning to travel on the Shalimar Express from August 14 will need to keep the new route and revised stops in mind.