Pakistan Railways has announced a fare increase for all trains, effective from July 19, 2024. The fare increase will be 1% for all mail, express, intercity, and passenger trains, including outsourced services. Additionally, the fare for all freight and goods trains will see a 2% increase. This adjustment is being implemented under the rationale of fare rationalization, aimed at ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the railway services.
This move comes after Pakistan Railways had previously slashed train fares by 25% on June 11, 2024, to facilitate passengers during the Eidul Adha 2024 festivities. Despite this reduction, the railway authorities have now deemed it necessary to increase fares to maintain the operational costs and upgrade services.
Furthermore, Pakistan Railways has been taking stringent measures to curb the issue of ticket-less passengers. In a recent crackdown, the authorities collected an amount of over Rs76 million from ticket-less passengers during the last six months. This effort aims to ensure that all passengers contribute to the revenue stream, enabling the railways to improve services and infrastructure.
The fare increase may cause some inconvenience to passengers, but it is essential to ensure the long-term viability of Pakistan Railways. The authorities must strike a balance between providing affordable transportation and maintaining the quality of services. As the railway network is a vital transportation artery for the country, it is crucial to invest in its upgrade and expansion to meet the growing demands of passengers and freight services.
