Bilour to open train service in Islamabad

[Naveed Yaseen]

Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour would formally inaugurate the train service from Margalla Railway Station on May 13.

Official sources told this agency that the service is to enliven the Margalla Railway Station after years long segregation.

The residents of federal capital have widely hailed this gesture of the government.

The Margalla Railway Station, covering area of 13.5 acres, was established on November 21, 1979, but due to non-availability of passengers and small income generation, the railway station was closed down for a short period, though in 1988 the service of freight trains was restored.

But after becoming the hub of activities and expansion of businesses, Islamabad now requires restoration of railway service.

Muhammad Ali, a student of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) said it is easy for him to reach Margalla Railway Station and it would be very convenient for the students of NUML, International Islamic University and Iqra University.

Imran Ali, another passenger stressed that the government should not run Margalla Express on trial basis, but on regular basis.

The business community has also appreciated the decision and hoped, it would help boost business activities in the capital.

Station Master Muhammad Ramzan told this agency, the purpose of reopening the station is to facilitate passengers of the capital.

“Earlier, the response of passengers was poor, but the number of travellers is increasing,” Ramzan said.

He said passengers are happy on reopening of Margalla Railway Station.

The Margalla Express would initially run for three months on trial basis and after that the authorities would decide whether to run it on permanent basis.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=176109