Railways to start a non-stop train from Oct 1

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is all set to launch a non-stop train from October 1 on the route of Lahore to Faisalabad.

The train will comprise eight coaches out of which five will be economy class, one each of business, AC parlor and AC standard, an official in the Ministry of Railways told a state-run wire service.

Mentioning about the fares of the train, he said Economy Class will cost a ticket of Rs 190, Rs 400 for AC Standard, Rs 500for AC Parlor and Rs 600 for Business Class.

The train is being launched as part of the government’s 100-day plan, will start its first journey from Lahore from 8 am and will reach Faisalabad at 10 am, the official added.

He said the non-stop train will then depart from Faisalabad at 2:30 pm and will reach Lahore at 4:30 pm.

The official said the Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had already announced to run three new trains on immediate basis in order to improve the railways department.

The three new trains include Lahore-Faisalabad train, Mohenjo Daro Express and Rohri Express, he said. He added that Mohenjo Daro and Rohri Express will begin its journey from October 16. The Mohenjo Daro express will travel to Larkana, Sehwan Sharif and Jamshoro. While Rohri Express will travel to Pano Aqil, Ghotki, Daharki, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan and Khanpur.

On Sep 22, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said Wi-Fi facility would be made available in trains soon.

He vowed to increase the number of freight trains from 10 to 15 by Sept 30 and added agreements in this regard have already been signed. The losses the department faces as of now stand at Rs 38 billion, the minister said.

He said he has summoned an inquiry report on the Khushal Khan Express derailment incident, which will be furnished until Sept 30.