Pakistan Railways has directed all train crews and safety officials to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures amid dense fog affecting visibility across the country. Divisional formations have issued instructions to drivers, assistant drivers, station masters, and other personnel responsible for safe train operations to remain vigilant and prevent accidents.
Read More: Dense fog disrupts life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
Passengers at major stations continue to face delays, with cold weather and prolonged fog causing significant disruptions to train schedules. Officials have placed staff on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers and goods, particularly on mainline routes where visibility is severely reduced.
Key personnel advised to take precautions include divisional engineers, station masters and their assistants, points-men, train examiners, break guards, drivers and their assistants, signaling officers, and patrolling police constables. The directive comes after a recent accident in which a train collided with a police van at an unmanned level crossing near Sialkot.
Train drivers reported operating at reduced speeds of 30 to 40 km per hour in fog-affected areas, adjusting speed according to visibility. Drivers noted that while communication with station operation staff is maintained, unmanned level crossings remain particularly hazardous. They urged the installation of heavy fog lights on locomotives to improve safety during extreme weather conditions.
Read More: Punctuality of trains reached 93 pc in last three months
Several long-distance trains have been delayed in recent days due to the fog. On Thursday, the 42-Down Karakoram Express departed late from Lahore to Karachi, followed by delays for the Karachi Express (15-Down) and other trains traveling across the network. Railways authorities continue to monitor the situation and stress the importance of strict safety compliance.