Decision to commence railway operation to be taken on May 19: Sheikh Rasheed

• If railways did not commence its operations, we will refund the advance booking money to the passengers: Rasheed.
• Railways minister says we can work and implement on the SOPs if the ministry gets permission to start train operations by Tuesday.

(Karachi) Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has said that the decision to start railway operation in the country will be taken on May 19 (Tuesday).

Addressing a press briefing in Rawalpindi on Sunday, he said, "If railways did not commence its operations, we will refund the advance booking money to the passengers."

He added, "We can work and implement on the SOPs if the ministry gets permission to start train operations by Tuesday." He pointed out that there is a rush of passengers and it is need of the hour to take timely decisions.

Rasheed said railways is a chain that connects the four provinces. "If the government decides to open public transport then trains should also be allowed to operate across the country," he mentioned.

The minister said that trains will be overcrowded if they do not start functioning by this week. He announced that ticket prices will also be reduced by 50-60 per cent once trains resume operations, even though the move will land the ministry in a loss.

Regarding payment of salaries to railway employees, the minister said that the salaries and pensions of all the workers and ex-employees will be given before Eidul Fitr.