TAXILA: Travelers on the Thall Express and Mari Indus Railcar along the Attock-Jand route have reported significant discomfort due to non-functional cooling systems in multiple coaches.
Commuters describe rising temperatures within crowded compartments during daytime journeys, with limited airflow causing distress. Women, children, and elderly passengers are particularly affected by the lack of ventilation.
“We regularly travel between Jand and Attock, but the current conditions are unbearable,” stated Shazia Bibi of the Mari Indus Railcar. “The fans aren’t working, and the heat inside the coach is suffocating, especially for women traveling with children.”
Farzana Kosar, a passenger on the Thall Express, added that the absence of functional cooling equipment was causing widespread distress. “Passengers pay full fares but receive no basic facilities. The heat is suffocating, particularly for the elderly and young children,” she said.
Rubina Yasmeen, a schoolteacher, expressed concern over the impact on senior citizens. “Many elderly passengers rely on these trains for affordability. Some feel dizzy due to the heat, but there is no proper ventilation. The authorities must address this issue immediately,” she emphasized.
Regular commuters, including students and government employees, noted that both services accommodate large daily passenger volumes. Despite this, they highlighted that essential facilities, such as working fans, were not maintained adequately.
Local residents and travelers questioned why basic amenities could not be ensured despite consistent fare collections.
When contacted, a railway official acknowledged the complaints. “Pakistan Railways is aware of the issue and facing financial and operational challenges. Technical teams have been directed to inspect the affected coaches, and repairs will be carried out as needed,” the official stated.
He further explained that maintenance of aging rolling stock often depends on spare parts availability and workshop schedules, but efforts are ongoing to improve onboard conditions.”