Pakistan Railways has restored the Sandal Express between Sargodha and Multan after an eight-year suspension, reviving an important passenger link through Jhang and other central Punjab districts.
The service resumed on August 21, with ceremonies held at Jhang and Sargodha railway stations. Large crowds gathered to welcome the train, which had remained off the tracks for years.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the return of the Sandal Express reflected the government’s commitment to public service. He said the revival of suspended trains forms part of a wider plan to improve connectivity and provide better travel facilities.
Sandal Express Returns on Multan-Sargodha Route
The Sandal Express operates as 139 Up and 140 Down between Multan and Sargodha. The route passes through Khanewal, Shorkot, Jhang Saddar and Shahinabad.
Under the new timetable, 139 Up leaves Multan at 6:30am and reaches Sargodha at 1:20pm. The 140 Down service departs Sargodha at 3:35pm and arrives at Multan Cantt at 10:25pm.
Pakistan Railways has assigned nine economy-class coaches and one power van to the service. The restored train gives passengers another lower-cost option between the two cities and serves communities along the route.
Students, employees, businesspeople and other regular travellers are expected to benefit, particularly those who depend on affordable public transport.
Abbasi said, “The government is taking practical steps to improve and modernize the railway system in the country.”
He also said the government remained focused on providing better travel facilities to the public.
Jhang Railway Station Gets Upgrade
Abbasi also inaugurated the upgraded Jhang Railway Station during the restoration ceremony.
Dr Mohazam Waheed Sheikh, administrator of Red Crescent Hospital Jhang and a businessman, funded the station upgrade as a contribution toward improving public facilities in the city.
The restoration drew a strong response from local residents. Citizens gathered at Jhang and Sargodha railway stations as the train returned to service.
Residents have also called on Pakistan Railways to maintain punctual operations and ensure proper passenger facilities so the revived service remains dependable.
More Suspended Trains Returning
The Sandal Express revival comes one day after Pakistan Railways restored the historic Babu Passenger between Lahore and Lala Musa. That service had remained suspended for about six years following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month, Abbasi said both trains were returning in response to persistent public demand. He also announced plans to restore additional services during 2026.
The government is separately pursuing upgrades to railway infrastructure in Punjab. The Shorkot-Jhang-Sargodha branch line is among more than 1,400 kilometres of track identified for rehabilitation and modernization.
Abbasi has also announced that a Chinese-imported train will operate on the Shorkot-Jhang-Sargodha route in the future.
The Sandal Express now restores a direct and economical rail connection for passengers travelling between Multan, Jhang and Sargodha after years without the service.
