Thousands of passengers were left stranded at Karachis bustling railway stations after Pakistan Railways canceled 11 major trains due to unexplained technical glitches, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The abrupt decision has thrown travel plans into disarray, especially for those preparing for upcoming holidays like Eidul Fitr.

Services from Karachi to major destinations including Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and others ground to a halt. Affected trains included the Rehman Baba Express, Karakoram Express, Allama Iqbal Express, Business Express, Mehran Express, Millat Express, Tezgam Express, Karachi Express, Khushhal Khan Khattak Express, Zakaria Express, and Fareed Express. Eyewitnesses described scenes of frustration at platforms, with families clutching tickets and luggage, waiting in vain for updates. Many had no choice but to seek costly alternatives like buses or flights, as announcements were sparse and staff appeared overwhelmed.

Pakistan Railways attributed the shutdown to plant malfunctions and promised a review to resume operations soon. However, union representatives hinted at underlying issues, including a work-to-rule action by employees that has slowed operations amid labor disputes. This incident echoes a pattern of disruptions in Pakistans rail system, from past power outages with K-Electric to accidents and security concerns. With the network already under financial strain and overdue for maintenance, experts warn that rising passenger demand could amplify such breakdowns.

Authorities advise passengers to monitor the official Pakistan Railways website or app for the latest schedules before traveling. As alternatives fill up quickly, those affected are pivoting to road transport, where fares have reportedly surged. This latest snag highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investments to restore reliability in one of South Asias oldest rail networks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.