Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister eulogized the leadership qualities of Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and said he has demonstrated how a visionary leader can make a difference with existing staff and resources.
He said Mr. Rafique put declining Railways back on track of revival just in two years by activating its employees.
The service will offer free Wi-Fi facility to its passengers throughout the journey all the way from Islamabad to Karachi.
They will also be provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and snacks during their journey.
The train includes imported air-conditioned business coaches along with locomotive engines and business coaches from China a few months ago
Two separate trains will run on the route. The first train will depart from Islamabad at 3:15pm daily, and will reach Karachi by 2:30pm. The train will leave Lahore for Karachi at 09:00.
The second train will depart from Cantt Station of Karachi at 9:30pm everyday and will arrive Margalla Station in Islamabad at 8:45pm the next day. It will each Lahore at 2:45pm and will leave for Islamabad at 3:15pm.
It will have stopovers at Hyderabad, Rohri, Khanewal, Lahore and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad.
One-way ticket from Islamabad to Karachi will cost Rs 5,500 (US$55) per person whereas the child fare (3-10 years) will be Rs 4,130. Children under the age of three will travel for free.
On the other hand, One-way ticket from Lahore to Karachi will cost Rs 5,000 (US$50) per person while the child fare (3-10 years) will be Rs 3,750.
Commandos and police will be deployed on the route to ensure that the trains function safely.
