Lahore: Pakistan Railways (PR) is evaluating introducing a train service between Lahore and Karachi, modelled after the Green Line Train that currently operates between these cities. The news has been sourced from an article on December 24.
According to the details, PR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aamir Ali Baloch announced this during a virtual open court, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to enhancing passenger travel experiences.
Key Developments
Modernisation of Infrastructure: PR has adopted advanced technology, enabling domestic production of train coaches, reducing dependency on imports.
Restoration Efforts: The Bolan Express was successfully restored within 45 days using local resources, while repair work on railway tracks and bridges damaged by rains is also being carried out domestically.
Revenue Growth: PR reported a 15% revenue increase in the first five months of the current fiscal year, with earnings of PKR 37.5 billion. For the 2023-24 financial year, PR achieved a record revenue of PKR 88 billion, reflecting a 40% increase from the previous year. Key revenue sources included passenger trains (PKR 47 billion), goods services (PKR 28 billion), and land-related income (over PKR 13 billion).
ML-1 Project: Groundwork for the Main Line-1 project is expected to begin by March 2025, signalling a focus on long-term infrastructure development.
Passenger Facilities: Directives have been issued to improve station amenities, including access to clean drinking water, additional seating, and improved cleanliness at various stations. Onboard services, such as food quality and hygiene, are also set for enhancement.
Concessions for People with Disabilities: PR has introduced a 50% fare discount for persons with disabilities across all express and passenger trains, excluding the Green Line.
As a graduate in English Literature, Zohaib believes that words are not just a mere figment of imagination. It takes wisdom to be good at them. Following this reason, he is pursuing his career as Public Relations and Content Specialist at Zameen.com.
