Pakistan Railways announces 10% reduction in train fares, effective 23 September

Pakistan Railways reduces fares, including AC and economy classes, ahead of its privatisation plans

Pakistan Railways has announced a 10% reduction in fares for all passenger trains, including air-conditioned and economy classes. The fare cut will be effective from 23 September and applies to both express and mail trains.

Despite a 20% increase in salaries and rising operational costs, Pakistan Railways has made this fare reduction to offer relief to passengers. The railways previously adjusted fares following reductions in petroleum prices.

In a related development, Pakistan Railways plans to privatise 10 passenger trains under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The first phase of this initiative is set to commence soon, with trains such as Karachi Express, Awam Express, and Hazara Express among those selected for privatisation. Interested parties have been invited to submit applications, with technical bids to be opened on the same day.

Additionally, Pakistan Railways has revived the Sir Syed Express, which resumed operations on 1 September, running between Karachi Cantt. and Rawalpindi.

Moreover, railway bridge in Kolpur set to reopen for train operations by October

Forty per cent of the restoration work on the railway bridge in Balochistan, destroyed by a blast, has been completed, with plans to fully reopen the bridge for train operations by October 15.

Once security clearance is received, the rail link between Balochistan and the rest of the country will be immediately restored.

It is worth noting that train operations between Quetta and Sibi were suspended after the August 26 explosion, which led to the suspension of major services like the Jaffar Express, Bolan Mail, and Chaman Passenger train.

The railway department has faced substantial financial losses due to the damage, while thousands of passengers have been severely affected by the suspension of services.

On September 12, it was reported that reconstruction of the Quetta Kolpur railway bridge is progressing rapidly, with 20% of the bridge and railway track restoration already completed.

On August 26, terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on civilians and government properties in various districts of Balochistan. Among the damaged infrastructure was a British-era bridge located between the Kolpur and Dozan railway stations in Bolan.

Meanwhile, the technical issues on the Lahore-Okara railway track were also resolved and the computer-based interlocking system is now operational, allowing trains to run at their approved speeds.