ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering imposing new restrictions on train travel for the general public amid the upsurge in the COVID-19 cases in the country.
According to sources, in the suggestion of the National Command and Operations Centre, Pakistan Railways will also allow 50 percent occupancy of passengers instead of 70 percent occupancy in trains from March 30.
Currently, passenger trains are running with 70 percent occupancy throughout the country as per the new restrictions imposed by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) in the wake of the third wave of the pandemic.
Sources said that 50percent of passenger trains will be shut down by the end of the upcoming week and the government can suspend the operation of all passenger trains if the Covid-19 situation does not improve. The final decision regarding suspension of train operation will be taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
These decisions will be implemented immediately by Pakistan Railways keeping in view the corona SOPs. Pakistan Railways once again warned its passengers to wear face masks for their safety and to ensure masks, especially during the journey. PR advised passengers also to follow Corona SOPs.
The third wave of the coronavirus continues to ring alarm bells for Pakistan as 4,767 new cases of the virus were reported across the country on Sunday in a single day.
Fifty-seven more people died from the virus while 4,767 more contracted the disease on Sunday, according to figures obtained from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).
