Pakistan Railways Raises Fares by 5% Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Islamabad: Pakistan Railways has announced a 5% increase in fares for mail/express, intercity, saloon, and parcel trains, effective from September 19, 2023. The fare adjustment comes in response to the recent hike in petroleum prices imposed by the government. However, it’s important to note that this fare increase will not be applicable to short lead passenger trains, shuttle trains, or the first 250 kilometers of long lead train journeys.

This marks the second fare hike by Pakistan Railways in just over a month. In August, the railway had increased fares across the board, affecting all mail/express, intercity, shuttle, passenger trains, and saloons, with a 10% raise.

The decision to adjust fares follows the announcement made by the interim government of Pakistan regarding a significant increase in fuel prices. On Friday night, petrol prices surged by Rs26.02 per litre, and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices rose by Rs17.34 per litre. Consequently, the new price of petrol now stands at Rs331.38 per litre, while the new price of HSD is Rs329.18 per litre.

The increase in fares is seen as an effort to offset the impact of rising fuel costs on the operations of Pakistan Railways, which plays a vital role in the country’s transportation network. The decision has elicited mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing concerns about the affordability of train travel in the face of these successive fare hikes.