Karachi-Lahore private train starts chugging

KARACHI/LAHORE:

Pakistan Railways has launched the operation of the Karakoram Express under the private sector as part of its efforts to improve train services and provide passengers with modern travel facilities.

The 41-Up Karakoram Express departed from Karachi Cantt Railway Station for Lahore on Friday, marking the beginning of its operations under private management by Prime Rail. The train will also operate as the 42-Down service from Lahore to Karachi.

The 20-coach train comprises 10 economy-class coaches, two AC business-class coaches, two AC standard coaches, one AC sleeper coach, a power van, a premium lounge, a brake van and two luggage vans.

Passengers are offered facilities including mineral water, fresh meals, bedding, mobile charging points, Wi-Fi and an infotainment system. Complimentary services are also available to passengers travelling in AC sleeper and AC business classes.

Pakistan Railways has announced a 25% discount on fares across all classes until November 6. During the promotional period, it has set the AC sleeper fare at Rs12,600, AC business at Rs9,550, AC standard at Rs7,550 and economy at Rs4,150.

The train will operate on the Main Line-I (ML-1), departing simultaneously from Karachi and Lahore at 3pm. It will stop at Drigh Road, Landhi, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Sahiwal and Raiwind before reaching its destination. The journey between the two cities is expected to take around 19 hours.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Railways CEO Muhammad Hafizullah said the department was working with private companies to provide passengers with modern facilities and a more comfortable travelling experience.

He said railway coaches were being upgraded while infrastructure development projects worth billions of rupees were also under way. "More trains will be outsourced to the private sector to improve services and bring them closer to international standards," he added.

The CEO said Pakistan Railways was also adopting modern technology, including improvements in its ticketing system and operational infrastructure. Under the agreement, the commercial management of the Karakoram Express has been outsourced to Prime Rail for an annual amount of Rs3.9015 billion.

Passengers can purchase tickets at reservation counters at relevant railway stations, through the Prime Rail website (primerail.pk) or its mobile application.