Pakistan Railways has made a controversial decision to discontinue train stops at the historic Jang Shahi railway station, a move that has complicated travel for employees working on major projects like the K-IV water project and other multinational ventures. This decision has caused significant distress to local residents and commuters who now face increasing travel challenges. Local residents and employees have voiced strong objections, calling the decision discriminatory against the people of Thatta and Sujawal.
They pointed out that the removal of these train stops deprives the lower-income population of affordable travel options, leading to daily hardships for passengers. In response, political, social, civil society, and business leaders have urged the federal railways minister to immediately restore the stops for the GhousBahauddinZakaria Multan Express and Bolan Mail at Jang Shahi. Community advocates highlighted that Jang Shahi is a station of historical significance and serves as a vital link for travelers from two districts. It is essential for pilgrims attending religious gatherings, employees commuting to major cities like Karachi and Hyderabad, students attending universities, and patients seeking medical treatment.
The recent removal of these train stops has further complicated their already challenging journeys. Civil society leader Abdul Qadir Shaikh pointed out that despite multiple requests to railway authorities, officials continue to refuse to restore the stops, citing the station’s low revenue. He explained that no ticket reservation quota has been allocated for Jang Shahi, which causes the station’s revenue to appear lower than it actually is. Many passengers traveling via Sukkur Express and Awam Express have to book their tickets from Karachi or Hyderabad, as Jang Shahi is not included in the online booking system.
Shaikh emphasized that the station’s revenue loss and the inconvenience caused to the public could be mitigated if a reservation quota were allocated for Jang Shahi. He noted that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the station had stops for GhousBahauddinZakaria Multan Express and Bolan Mail, but those were unjustifiably removed. As of October 15, 2024, even the stop for Awam Express has been discontinued, leaving only three local trains stopping at the station.
This has severed the railway connection between the districts of Thatta and Sujawal and the rest of the country. Local leaders have called on the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister of Railways, the CEO of Pakistan Railways, and the National Assembly members representing Thatta and Sujawal to take immediate action to restore the train stops.
They stressed the importance of these stops in providing affordable travel options for local communities, particularly for employees working on mega projects like K-IV and other multinational ventures.
