Karakoram Express starts under private operator with 25% fare discount

Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Hafeezullah inaugurated a new 20-coach rake of the Karakoram Express at Lahore Railway Station on Friday. According to Express News, he was joined by directors of Prime Rail and sent passengers off to Karachi.

The train, described as a model train of Pakistan Railways, will be run under a private-sector arrangement. Express News reported that Pakistan Railways outsourced the commercial management of the train to Prime Rail for 3 billion 90 crore 15 lakh rupees annually.

The train has four classes: AC Sleeper, AC Business, AC Standard and Economy. Passengers will get mineral water, freshly prepared meals, bedding, mobile charging points, Wi-Fi and an infotainment system. AC Sleeper and AC Business passengers will also receive complimentary services on board.

The Karakoram Express departs daily from both Lahore and Karachi at 3pm. It stops at Raiwind, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Landhi and Drigh Road stations. The journey between the two cities will take about 19 hours.

Prime Rail has announced a 25 percent discount on fares in all classes until November 6. With the discount, Express News reported, the AC Sleeper fare is 12,600 rupees, AC Business 9,550 rupees, AC Standard 7,550 rupees and Economy 4,150 rupees.

Hafeezullah said Pakistan Railways would keep upgrading its trains in line with the vision of the Federal Minister for Railways, and that efforts were under way to improve railway tracks. Minute Mirror reported that the upgrade of Main Line-1 (ML-1) was expected to begin in February next year.

Pakistan Railways said the initiative aims to improve passenger comfort, enhance service delivery and encourage greater private-sector participation in railway operations.