ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday announced a 20% discount on train fares for passengers during the three days of Eid-ul-Azha. The ministry will also operate five special trains to facilitate travel during the festive period.
Speaking to reporters, Abbasi said Pakistan Railways had achieved Rs83 billion in revenue over the past 11 months, with Rs42 billion earned from passenger services, Rs29 billion from freight, and Rs13 billion from other sources. He noted that the department is now paying staff salaries and medical expenses from its own income for the first time in its history.
The minister announced plans to outsource freight operations and 14 railway schools, while eight railway hospitals will be upgraded with a Rs1 billion allocation. Railway employees will continue to receive free medical treatment at these hospitals.
To improve passenger experience, the ministry will introduce front-desk services and train hostesses. Cleanliness at major stations such as Chaklala and Margalla has already improved, and food quality is being monitored with the help of provincial food authorities.
An anti-encroachment operation will be launched to recover encroached railway land. The Punjab government is supporting the initiative.
Abbasi also unveiled a Rs45 billion development plan for Punjab, aimed at raising train speeds to 60 km/h. He said 1,413 new wagons will be built, and a new passenger train between Lahore and Narowal will begin operating on June 15. A freight train to Russia will depart on the same day via Multan and Sindh.
A rail link with Kazakhstan is also under development, aimed at transporting resources from Reko Diq and Thar coalfields.
The minister confirmed that three inactive companies related to freight and audit have been closed. Margalla Railway Station is also being upgraded.
Abbasi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling all media agreements and expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan Railways.
