New train similar to Green Line Express set to launch in Jan

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

"The primary goal of this new train service is to provide passengers with advanced amenities and an enhanced travel experience," an official in the Ministry of Railways said.

Currently, the official said the teams from relevant departments are working on preparations for the launch of this modern train, which is expected to begin by the end of January next year.

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

Additionally, he said the department is working to enhance food quality and cleanliness 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 Cantonment Station, with stops at key locations such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Sukkar/Rohri, Hyderabad, and Drigh Road.

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

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

Awaisi claimed that the decisions were taken to optimise the utilisation of available resources which boosted the earning of Railways, adding that they achieved Rs946 million in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Awaisi detailed that the earning was possible through implementation of financial restructuring plans aimed at reducing operational costs, optimising revenue generation, and improving financial discipline.

Giving the strategies adopted and measures taken to achieve the earning, it was stated that load optimisation strategy was adopted that entailed in operating full train loads as per hauling capacity of the locomotives.

Passenger trains were being operated on the average with 19 coaches which had resulted in revenue of Rs43.512 billion (Rs7.763 billion more than the target), The News reported.

Freight trains with a load of 3,400 tonnes had enhanced revenue freight earnings to Rs25.025 billion (Rs2.699 billion over target). Passenger fare and freight tariffs have been indexed with fuel price. Pricing decision is based on market dynamics.

E-ticketing App "Railway Automated Booking and Travel Assistance" (Rabta) had also been introduced for ease of customers and better service delivery. After the approval of Railway Land and Property Rules 2023, Rs3.246 billion had been generated from lease of land.

The parliamentary secretary said that the Railways had developed long-term strategic plans to revitalise the sector, improve service quality, enhance safety standards, and ensure sustainability in revenue generation.

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

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