Karakoram Express rerouted as authorities begin repairs on affected railway section
LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has suspended the Shalimar Express for one month after floodwaters damaged a railway bridge on the Lahore-Faisalabad section, disrupting train operations on one of the country’s key rail corridors.
According to 24NewsHD, the suspension follows damage to the Qila Sattar Shah-Misan Kallar railway bridge, which has halted rail traffic between Lahore and Faisalabad while authorities assess the infrastructure and carry out repair work.
The Shalimar Express, one of Pakistan Railways’ premium train services operated in partnership with the private sector, normally runs between Lahore and Karachi via Faisalabad. However, the damaged bridge has made the route temporarily inaccessible, forcing railway officials to suspend the service until the affected section is restored.
Railway authorities said the suspension is expected to remain in effect for approximately one month, although the timeline may depend on the progress of repair work and safety inspections.
Karakoram Express diverted
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has also altered the route of the Karakoram Express to minimise disruption for passengers.
Instead of travelling between Lahore and Karachi through Faisalabad, the train will now operate via Sahiwal until services on the affected railway section resume.
Officials said the diversion will help maintain connectivity between major cities while engineers work to restore the damaged infrastructure.
Authorities continue restoration efforts
Pakistan Railways has initiated repair and assessment work on the flood-affected bridge to ensure it meets safety standards before train operations resume.
In addition, officials said measures have been implemented to manage passenger movement and minimise inconvenience during the suspension.
The disruption highlights the continuing impact of seasonal flooding on Pakistan’s transport infrastructure, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
Passengers travelling on affected routes have been advised to check the latest schedule updates before departure, as further operational changes may be introduced depending on weather conditions and the progress of restoration work. Railway authorities said they will continue monitoring the situation and provide timely updates regarding the resumption of normal services.
