New train similar to Green Line Express to start in January

Pakistan Railways is planning to run a high-speed train between Lahore and Karachi, similar to the Green Line Express that operates between Islamabad and Karachi via Lahore.

“The primary objective of this new rail service is to provide passengers with advanced amenities and enhanced travel experience,” a Railway Ministry official said.

At present, the official said that the teams of the concerned agencies are working on the preparations to start this modern train, which is expected to start by the end of January next year.

The official stressed that Pakistan Railways is focusing on improving passenger services and using new technology to produce coaches locally, which will eliminate the need for imports.

In addition, he said the department is working to improve the quality and cleanliness of food to ensure a comfortable and clean environment for passengers.

The Green Line Express, which was inaugurated in 2015 by the then prime minister at Islamabad’s Margalla Railway Station, currently takes about 20 hours to travel from Islamabad to Karachi’s Cantonment Station, with stops at key locations such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Khanewal, Bahawalpur. Sukkar/Rohri, Hyderabad and Drigh Road.

The official said that the train offers various classes including AC, lounge AC and Economy Class along with a modern dining car that provides premium services.

Pakistan Railways had outsourced the commercial management of 13 trains, as well as brake and baggage trucks, for better efficiency and profits, Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Muhammad Usman Awaisi told the National Assembly earlier this month.

Awaisi claimed that the decisions were taken to optimize the utilization of available resources which boosted the earnings of the Railways, adding that they achieved Rs 946 million in the financial year 2023-24.

Awaisi clarified that the gains were possible through the implementation of financial restructuring plans aimed at reducing operating costs, optimizing revenue generation and improving fiscal discipline.

Considering the strategies adopted and the measures taken to achieve the profit, it has been reported that load optimization strategy has been adopted which entails running full train loads as per the carrying capacity of the engines.

Passenger trains operated with an average of 19 coaches resulting in revenue of 43.512 billion. Rs (Rs 7.763 billion more than the target). The News was mentioned.

Freight trains with a load of 3,400 tons increased freight revenue to 25.025 billion. Rs (Rs 2.699 billion above target). Passenger and freight fares have been adjusted with the price of fuel. Pricing decision is based on market dynamics.

Railway Automated Booking and Travel Assistance (Rabta) e-ticketing application was also introduced for customer convenience and better service delivery. After the approval of Railway Land and Property Rules, 2023, Rs 3.246 billion had been generated from land lease.

The Parliamentary Secretary said the Railways have developed long-term strategic plans to revitalize the sector, improve service quality, improve safety standards and ensure sustainability in revenue generation.

He said that the upgrade of ML-1, which is a rail link between Karachi and Peshawar, will increase the capacity of the line from 34 to 100 and 20 trains per day.

Awaisi informed the House that 80 new high capacity freight coaches and 32 AC standard passenger coaches will also be introduced this year to increase revenue.