Lahore: The Pakistan Railways (PR) is set to link its system to Railway Automated Booking & Travel Assistance (RABTA) mobile application in a bid to modernise the Railway department and enhance service delivery, the news sources reported on February 07.
Read: Initiation of feasibility study discussed for Trans-Afghan Railway project
Reportedly, in an attempt to enhance the Railways department by leveraging Information Technology (IT), an agreement was signed by the federal minister for railways with a joint venture of two Chinese firms (M/s Easyway and M/s Norinco International Cooperation). With the RABTA mobile application, the passengers will be able to book their tickets, seats, taxi, hotel, and order food with a single tap.
Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said that the app will charge a fee of PKR 9 on each railway ticket, and the issue of excise duty on air tickets is under discussion with the federal government. Moreover, the app will also accommodate parcel bookings with tracking facility and train schedules. The application is being introduced on a revenue-sharing basis with China.
Read: Pakistan Railways to receive PKR 14 bn for track rehabilitation
It is important to note here that PR has revised the train fares effective from February 01. The new fares are applicable to all trains and all classes, except Green Line.