Low passengers' turnout as KCR service starts formally.

KARACHI -- The Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) started service formally on Friday as the train reached Pipri from City Station but the turnout of passengers remained low on the first day. The first train operation started at 07:00 AM while the second operation is scheduled from Pipri to City Station at 04:30 PM and from City to Pipri Station at 05:00 PM. The fare has been reduced from Rs 50 to Rs 30 whereas the service is free for passengers on the inaugural day. The commuters expressed happiness over

restoration of the KCR. It is pertinent to mention here that resumption of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has been delayed over the nonfinalisation of the arrangments. Pakistan Railways had announced to partially resume the service from November 16 in phases. According to reports citing sources, the 14-km long track from City Station to Orangi Town remains unclear, while the station also lacks basic facilities. Road crossing in Gulbai and other areas has become a complicated issue in the resumption of KCR and sources privy to the development said that traffic to be stopped temporarily through ropes at crossing

points...