Pakistan Railways will restore train services on the Lahore-Faisalabad route from November 15, 2026. The decision follows major repairs to a railway bridge damaged by floods near Sheikhupura.
The railway section has remained closed since severe flooding in August. The disaster damaged railway infrastructure and disrupted services between Lahore, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad.
The restoration is expected to reconnect an important railway corridor. It will also provide passengers with another affordable travel option.
Flood-Damaged Railway Bridge Nears Completion
Engineering teams have almost completed restoration work on the Massan Kalar Bridge. Officials confirmed that the main civil construction work has finished.
Teams are now inspecting the newly installed railway track. Some finishing work also remains before regular operations can resume.
Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Hafeezullah said the new embankment and track installation were nearly complete. He added that the federal railways minister would inaugurate the restored section on November 15.
The inauguration will mark the planned return of regular train operations. However, officials will first conduct safety checks on the repaired section.
Trial Train Planned Before Service Resumption
Pakistan Railways plans to run a trial train within the coming days. The trial will help engineers assess the restored railway infrastructure.
Officials will examine the track’s condition and operational safety. Regular passenger and freight services will resume after the necessary checks.
Restoration work began during the third week of September. Engineering teams started work after floodwater receded around the damaged site.
Rs. 455 Million Spent on Railway Restoration
Lahore Railways Divisional Superintendent Inamullah Khan said the project cost approximately Rs. 455 million.
The restoration involved civil, mechanical and electrical work. Engineers also built a stronger embankment to improve the railway section’s stability.
Additional water passages were constructed beneath nearby bridges. These structures aim to reduce the risk of similar damage during future floods.
Major Passenger Trains Use the Route
The Lahore-Faisalabad railway section is an important revenue-generating route. Several major passenger trains operate along this corridor.
These include the Shalimar Express, Badar Express, Ghauri Express and Karakoram Express. Freight trains also use the route when transportation demand requires them.
The restoration will help reconnect passenger and goods transportation. It is also expected to improve railway operations across the region.
Officials Inspect Railway Restoration Work
Deputy Divisional Superintendent for Infrastructure Qazi Jawad Ahmed inspected the Lahore-Sheikhupura railway track on Sunday.
He conducted the inspection using a motor trolley. Divisional Engineer Chaudhry Nasir Hanif and other railway officials accompanied him.
The team reviewed construction progress and rehabilitation work. Officials also assessed the remaining requirements before reopening the route.
Flooding Disrupted Several Railway Services
Flooding in the Ravi and Chenab rivers caused widespread infrastructure damage. Breaches in Nullah Deg and Bherr also affected the railway network.
Floodwater eroded soil beneath railway bridges and forced Pakistan Railways to suspend operations. The disruption affected the route through Shahdara and Sheikhupura.
Two bridges suffered major damage along the railway section. One was located near Qila Sattar Shah on the Lahore-Faisalabad route.
Authorities cancelled several trains departing Lahore for Faisalabad. Lahore-Karachi and Khanewal-Lahore services operating through Faisalabad were also suspended.
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The planned November 15 reopening is expected to restore operations along this important corridor. Passengers will once again have access to rail travel between Lahore and Faisalabad.
