Ongoing monsoon rains and widespread flooding have compelled Pakistan Railways to halt three major train services and temporarily shut down the Khanewal-Faisalabad section. Several trains have been rerouted through alternative paths.

A spokesperson revealed on Wednesday that the adverse weather conditions have not only inflicted damage on the infrastructure but have also led to a decline in passenger numbers, necessitating the suspension of services. The Karachi-Lahore Karakoram Express has been withdrawn for today, the Karachi-Peshawar Khushhal Khan Khattak Express will remain off the schedule until September 4, and the Karachi-Lahore Shah Hussain Express has been canceled until September 6. Affected travelers will be accommodated in other services.

The closure of the Khanewal-Faisalabad section followed a flood surge in the Ravi River that hit the Head Sidhnai railway bridge, causing water overflow onto the tracks. Rail authorities, as a safety measure, redirected Lahore-bound and Karachi-bound journeys via Sahiwal and Lahore.

The adjusted schedules now include the Pakistan Express (46 Down) departing Lala Musa at 8:54 a.m. for Karachi via Lahore and Sahiwal, and Millat Express (18 Down) leaving Lala Musa at 10:33 a.m. on the same path. Trains coming from Karachi-comprising Pakistan Express (45 Up), Millat Express (17 Up), and Karakoram Express (41 Up)-will also travel through Lahore and Sahiwal instead of Faisalabad.

In the meantime, Lahore-Karachi services proceed as planned: Pak Business Express (34 Down) left at 4:30 p.m., and Karachi Express is slated to depart at 6:00 p.m. Passengers of the Shah Hussain Express (44 Down) have been transferred to the Green Line Express, scheduled to leave Lahore at 8:50 p.m. Commuters were advised to arrive an hour in advance for seamless adjustments.