Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said that the final decision on possible resumption of train operation in the country will be taken after his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan by May 19 (Tuesday).
Talking to reporters here Sunday, the minister said that if the Prime Minister decided against resumption of the train operation then the railways will have to refund the payments to the people within 15 days.
He said that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be fully practiced for the train operation, adding that Railways authorities are fully prepared to operate the trains. He stated that Railways does not only belong to Punjab, but to the entire country. He minister stated that the train operation will be resumed after opening of the Karachi track.
He urged the Prime Minister to resume train operations, adding that it is a cheaper mean of transportation for the poor who would be trying to reach their hometowns on the Eid-ul-Fitr. The Minister said that he is waiting for a decision by the prime minister, adding that he said take the decision to resume train operations himself. "But, the prime minister has not given me permission to do this," he added.
He added that if train operations do not resume in the next two days, railways authorities will have to apologize to the people, adding that the ministry will also have to give pensions and salaries to its employees before the Eid.
He further said that an earlier decision on the resumption of the train operation is necessary, adding that it would also be required to work on the SOPs well on time. "If you give me permission to resume train operations today or tomorrow, I can work on the SOPs. After that, will not be able to do so," the minister added.
He feared that as the operation will be resuming after 15 days, it is expected to have over crowded flow of passengers and even people will climb aboard the roofs of trains to reach their destinations. "In the situation, people will then criticize me to be responsible for spreading coronavirus," he added.