Islamabad, March 21, 2024 – Pakistan Railways is gearing up to launch ‘Eid Special Trains’ ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to meet the anticipated surge in travel demand and enable passengers to celebrate the Islamic festival with their families and friends across the country.
An official from the Ministry of Railways confirmed that all preparations for the Eid Special Trains have been finalized to ensure passengers’ convenience, with an official announcement expected imminently.
The ministry intends to publicize the schedule of these special trains extensively through daily Urdu and English newspapers, as well as through social and electronic media platforms. The initiative aims to facilitate the return of foreign nationals, students, government employees, and laborers to their hometowns for Eid celebrations, a tradition that sees increased demand for railway services each year.
Responding to queries, the official disclosed that despite facing financial challenges due to floods during the monsoon season, Pakistan Railways has managed to generate considerable revenue. The department reported earnings of Rs 55 billion in the first eight months of the current financial year (2023-24), marking a significant increase from Rs 37 billion during the same period in the previous financial year (2022-23).
The revenue surge is attributed to both passenger and freight services, along with contributions from other sectors within the department. With consistent efforts and diligence from railway workers, the department aims to surpass Rs 80 billion in revenue by the end of the fiscal year.
Currently, Pakistan Railways operates 96 passenger trains, an increase from 86 trains in the previous year. Moreover, the average number of freight trains has risen from 3.75 to seven trains per year, demonstrating the department’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency.
Addressing concerns regarding delayed salary payments, the official assured that the issue has been resolved, and streamlined processes are expected once work on the Mainline-I (ML-I) project commences. Additionally, in response to inflationary pressures, particularly stemming from high fuel costs, Pakistan Railways has adjusted its fares for both passenger and freight segments to bolster revenues in the coming months.
The forthcoming Eid Special Trains exemplify Pakistan Railways’ dedication to meeting public transportation needs and fostering connectivity across the country. As the nation prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the availability of these special services will undoubtedly facilitate safe and convenient travel for countless individuals, underscoring the vital role of railways in national transportation infrastructure.
