LAHORE:  Sheikh Rashid Railways Minister on Saturday while addressing a press conference at Railways Headquarters in Lahore, appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to reconcile and allow resumption of rail operations ahead of Eid, saying that delays may result in a worsening of the economic crisis. 

Railway has received  Rs240 million from people who have made advance online bookings because of Eid-ul-Fitr and are constantly asking us to resume train services.

We have to decide till Monday otherwise we will have to refund Rs240 million to people if railways operation does not resume, the minister noted.

If no decision is taken by the incumbent govt in the coming week, the Railways authorities will not be able to control the rush at railway stations across the country ahead of Eid, he warned.

The federal minister went on to add that people who have made advanced bookings would be given priority as soon train services are resumed in the country.

Referring to precautionary measures against the contagious coronavirus, Rashid said that the trains are already disinfected and briefing to the staff members regarding the issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) has also been given.

"We do realise that resumption of train services will multiply our responsibilities in terms of ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers. However, we are ready to take up our duties," he said.