The Allama Iqbal Express (Urdu: علامہ اقبال ایکسپریس) is a passenger train operated daily by Pakistan Railways between Karachi and Sialkot, two important industrial hubs of Pakistan. The trip takes approximately 25 hours and 30 minutes to cover a published distance of 1,362 kilometres (846 mi), traveling along the Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line, Shahdara Bagh–Chak Amru Branch Line and Wazirabad–Narowal Branch Line.

Allama Iqbal Express
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail, Mail express
PredecessorShaheen Express
First service1940
Current operator(s)Pakistan Railways
Route
TerminiKarachi Cantonment
Sialkot Junction
Stops35
Distance travelled1,362 kilometres (846 mi)
Average journey time25 hours
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)9UP (Karachi→Sialkot)
10DN (Sialkot→Karachi)
On-board services
Class(es)Economy Class ,AC Standard
Sleeping arrangementsNot Available
Catering facilitiesNot available
Technical
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Track owner(s)Pakistan Railways
Route map
Allama Iqbal Express route map

History

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The Allama Iqbal Express is one of the oldest express trains of Pakistan, beginning in 1940 as the Shaheen Express from Karachi to Sialkot via Faisalabad. In 1985, Shaheen Express was renamed to Allama Iqbal Express, in honor of Pakistan's famous poet Dr. Muhammad Iqbal.[1]

Route

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In 1998, the Allama Iqbal Express was redirected via Wazirabad Junction to Sialkot Junction. In 2004, it was again redirected to the current route via Narowal Junction.

Station stops

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Equipment

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Allama Iqbal Express consists of 16 coaches (all economy class accommodation), one power van and one luggage van.[2]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Power Van Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy Luggage Van

Incidents

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On Nov 3, 2009, this train collided head-on with a goods train in Karachi. Resulting 18 dead and 45 injured.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ IRFCA, Pakistan Railway Train Names:, Retrieved on 23 March 2013
  2. ^ "Akbar Express Train Timings Lahore Quetta 2020".
  3. ^ "Train crash in Karachi leaves 18 dead". DAWN.COM. 4 November 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2024.