Escalator installed at Lahore railway station. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
The much-hyped free Wi-Fi facility at Lahore railway station has been suspended after railway authorities allegedly failed to clear payments to the internet service provider, leaving passengers frustrated.
Commuters arriving at the station continued to scan the QR codes displayed at various locations in an attempt to access the service, only to discover that the facility was no longer operational.
Many passengers expressed their anger, calling the situation a “mockery” and wondering why the service was advertised if payments had not been agreed upon.
Sources said the private company providing internet services suspended the facility after its bills remained unpaid. The company reportedly removed its Wi-Fi equipment from the station premises.
The free Wi-Fi initiative was launched on the directions of Federal Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi and was introduced at major stations including Lahore and Karachi to facilitate passengers.
Equipment had been installed at the main entrance and platforms two and four of the Lahore railway station. However, the devices have now been dismantled, leaving only empty fixtures while signs advertising “Free Wi-Fi” are displayed.
Passengers said they get confused upon arrival when they try to scan the QR codes, only to discover the system is down.
“It’s shameful. The first trains are not arriving on time and now even the promised Wi-Fi connection is not available,” passenger Rahat Babar told Express News.
Another traveler, Mian Rashid, said passengers were already paying high prices for tickets and getting little in return other than inconvenience.
