Pakistan Railways is set to launch a cutting-edge business-class train service on July 19, featuring 28 fully digitised coaches, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a modern dining car designed to international standards. This new initiative aims to provide passengers with a premium and comfortable travel experience, especially on the Lahore to Karachi route, one of the busiest in the country.
The train will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a special ceremony in Lahore, marking a significant step forward in the government’s railway reform agenda. The new service is part of a broader strategy to modernise Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, which also includes the introduction of digital ticketing systems, station upgrades, and enhanced onboard services across the network.
Ticket Pricing and Upgrade Costs
While final ticket prices have not been officially announced, early estimates suggest that a business-class ticket for the new service could cost between Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, depending on the distance and amenities offered. This pricing is positioned to attract middle- and upper-income travelers seeking a more comfortable and efficient alternative to road or air travel.
The cost of upgrading and modernising the 28 coaches—along with the installation of digital systems and other onboard enhancements—is estimated to be around Rs 1.2 to 1.5 billion, according to internal sources from Pakistan Railways. The investment is expected to pay off in the long term by boosting ridership, increasing revenue, and reducing operational inefficiencies.
Railways Revenue on the Rise
In the past year, Pakistan Railways has reported a notable increase in revenue, driven largely by reforms, better service delivery, and enhanced cargo operations. The department’s total revenue saw a year-on-year jump of over Rs 10 billion, bringing total annual earnings to approximately Rs 65 billion—a significant improvement from the previous fiscal year.
In addition, the Railways Ministry earned Rs 3.95 billion over the past three years through brake and luggage van operations. A major contributor to this was the outsourcing of services to private contractors through transparent, open tenders, reflecting a growing shift toward public-private partnerships in the sector.
Future Projects: Lahore–Rawalpindi Bullet Train
Adding to the momentum, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has recently approved the preliminary phase of the ambitious Lahore–Rawalpindi Bullet Train Project. Once completed, this high-speed rail line will reduce travel time between the two major cities from 4–5 hours to just 2.5 hours, significantly improving connectivity and potentially transforming the regional economy.
Although still in the planning and feasibility study stage, the bullet train project is seen as a landmark initiative in Pakistan’s transportation landscape, with the potential to attract foreign investment and create thousands of jobs.
Together, these developments highlight a renewed focus on transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and revenue-generating national asset, aligning with broader goals of infrastructure development and economic growth.