Pakistan Railways’ decision to run Eid special trains lauded

All passengers above 65 years of age will be able to travel free on first two days of Eid

LAHORE: People have welcomed Pakistan Railways’ (PR) decision discount fares and run five special trains during Eidul Azha days.

Dr Zafar of Tehreek-e-Naujwanan-e-Pakistan said hundreds of passengers from far-off stations travel by these trains to get to their hometowns. He added this facility should be appreciated.



Daily Passengers Association Chairman Hafiz Abdul Qayyum also appreciated the step taken by PR. However, he said that Narowal section was always neglected by railways and demanded a special train.

PR is operating five special trains on Eidul Azha days to manage the rush of passengers. According to the schedule, the first train would depart on August 19 from Quetta at 7:00am via Jacobabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Lahore and Lala Musa and it would reach Rawalpindi the next day at 1:30 pm.

The second special train would depart from Karachi City Station on August 19 at 10:00am and it will pass through Hyderabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Nowshera and reach Peshawar Cantt the next day at 10:30pm. The third train would leave Karachi Cantt Station on August 20 at 11:00am and it would reach Lahore the next day at 7:15 am via Hyderabad, Rohri, Khanpur and Multan Cantt.

The fourth train would depart Rawalpindi on August 21 at 7:00am and it would reach Multan Cantt the next day at 10:00pm after passing through Hasan Abdal, Bosal, Jhand, Mianwali, Darya Khan and Muzaffargarh. The fifth special train would depart on August 26 from Multan Cantt at 7:00am and via Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Kundian, Mianwali, Attock City, and Hasan Abdal and it would reach Rawalpindi the next day at 10:00pm.

The PR spokesperson said additional coaches will also be attached to other trains to accommodate the maximum number of passengers. He said an online booking facility would also available for Eid special trains.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways also gave a special discount offer to senior citizens and all passengers above 65 years of age can travel free on the first two days of Eidul Azha. The offer would be valid on all classes of trains on August 22 and August 23.



Senior citizens have to show their original national identity card on the reservations and booking of tickets. Advance booking and e-ticketing can be done on the photocopy of an identity card.

The passengers will have to carry their original ID card during travel. All the other passengers can avail a 25% discount on all the classes of all trains during Eid days.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2018.