Steam in Pakistan 1998

Peter Patt has given me the updated times for the metre gauge trains which were valid in April 1998.  This supercedes Vic Allen's report which I have left below for convenience.  Note the change of day for the Nawabshah train and the earlier departures!

Metre Gauge at Mirpur Khas:
Daily departure to Khokrapar MG 6 15:15
Daily arrival from Khokrapar MG 5 10:00
Depart for Loop Line Monday Only MG 15 06:00
Arrive back same day at 16:50
Depart for Loop Line Wednesday Only MG 14 08:00
Arrive back same day at 18:50
Depart for Nawabshah Sunday Only MG 22 07:00
Arrive back same day MG 21at 23.30

Malakwal
No active steam engine left. All but 3 derailed locos have been removed to Lahore from where SPS 2976 and SGS 2471 should return to Malakwal shed (one day...) for tourist trains after having received an overhaul at Moghalpura works. Most of the staff have been shifted to Lahore or Lala Musa shed; Malakwal itself has been downgraded to a turning point only

Vic Allen has organised several successful tours of Pakistan in recent years and reports that his contacts have given him the following information on residual normal steam activity in early December 1997. 

Metre Gauge at Mirpur Khas:

Daily departure to Khokrapar MG 6 16.30
Daily arrival from Khokrapar MG 6 10.00
Depart for Loop Line Monday Only MG 15 06.30
Arrive back same day at 17.20
Depart for Loop Line Wednesday Only MG 14 09.10
Arrive back same day at 20.00
Depart for Nawabshah Saturday Only MG 22 07.30
Arrive back same day at 23.30

Malakwal

They use steam power on one of the local trains daily. It may go to Gharibwal or Bhera. Khewra is diesel at the moment.

Peshawar

Special charters are available (Khyber Pass).

Samasata

4/5 CWD are stored in good order. They can be made to work if required.