Dense Fog Disrupts Train Operations Across Punjab
Pakistan Railways has announced a revised departure schedule after dense fog once again disrupted train operations in parts of the country. The latest changes mainly affect trains leaving Lahore for Karachi and other destinations, where visibility has dropped sharply during evening and night hours. Officials say the adjustments are aimed at protecting passenger safety while keeping services running as reliably as possible under difficult weather conditions.
Revised Timings for Karachi-Bound Trains from Lahore
According to the updated timetable, the Karakoram Express, which operates between Lahore and Karachi, will now depart at 6:00 pm instead of its previous departure time of 3:00 pm. This represents a delay of three hours, giving railway staff extra time to assess track conditions, visibility and overall safety before allowing the train to leave Lahore. Passengers who had planned to travel in the afternoon have been advised to adjust their plans in line with the new departure time.
The Karachi Express has faced a longer disruption. Under the revised schedule, it will now leave Lahore at 12:45 am instead of 6:00 pm, reflecting a delay of six hours and 45 minutes. Railway officials say this extended delay is necessary because the train covers a long stretch of track that is particularly affected by dense fog during the late evening. By pushing the departure into the early hours of the morning, they hope to take advantage of slightly improved visibility in some sections of the route.
Millat and Mianwali Express Also Experience Major Delays
Fog-related changes have also impacted the Millat Express, which runs from Lala Musa to Karachi. The train was originally scheduled to depart Faisalabad at 5:50 pm, but under the new plan it will now leave at 12:00 am. This marks a delay of six hours and 10 minutes. Passengers boarding from Faisalabad and other stations along the route have been urged to keep track of the latest announcements so they do not arrive at the station too early or miss the train due to confusion over revised timings.
Meanwhile, the Mianwali Express has also seen its departure time from Lahore pushed back. The train will now leave at 11:45 pm instead of 9:10 pm, representing a delay of two hours and 35 minutes. Although the delay is shorter than that of some Karachi-bound services, it still affects passengers who had planned evening travel, especially those connecting to other transport modes at their destination.
Passengers Advised to Confirm Timings Before Leaving Home
Pakistan Railways has advised all passengers to check the latest departure timings before heading to stations, as further adjustments may be made depending on visibility and operating conditions. Information can typically be obtained through helplines, official websites, social media channels and station inquiry offices. Travellers have been encouraged to build extra time into their plans and to stay updated through verified sources rather than relying on outdated schedules.
Safety and Operational Challenges in Winter Fog
Railway officials say that dense fog poses serious safety risks by limiting visibility for train drivers and staff along the track. Signals, level crossings and trackside markers can be harder to see, increasing the chance of accidents if trains run at normal speeds. To reduce these risks, operations teams often slow down trains, increase headways between services and revise departure schedules, especially during late evening and early morning hours when fog tends to be heaviest.
The current round of delays is part of a wider pattern seen almost every winter, when fog affects rail and road transport across Punjab. While passengers may face inconvenience and longer travel times, railway authorities argue that safety must remain the top priority. They say schedule changes, although frustrating, are a necessary response to natural weather conditions that cannot be fully controlled. Passengers are therefore urged to plan ahead, stay informed and remain patient as services are adjusted to keep journeys as safe as possible during the foggy season.
