LAHORE - Pakistan Railways has reduced economy class fares by 10 per cent for different express trains from June 25.
The decision has been announced in connection of holy month of Ramazan and would be applicable for one month period. Last year on Ramazan, the PR had announced a substantive reduction of 33 per cent in rail fares. It was then announced that the department earned Rs2.92 billion during two months due to its pro-passenger policies through introducing discount rates for them in trains. It was also claimed that the public utility earned Rs670 million more in two month of Ramzan and Shawal (July and August 2013) as compared to the corresponding period of 2012 due to special discount.
The PR spokesperson said on Saturday that the economy class fare of Bolan Mail between Quetta and Karachi reduced by 10 per cent from June 25. The passengers of economy class, AC sleeper and AC standard of Sukkar Express between Karachi and Jacobabad, Khayber Mail between Peshawar and Lahore would also enjoy 10 per cent decrease in fare during Ramzan. The same package has been announced for the passengers of Subak Raftar between Lahore and Rawalpindi, Subak Kharam, Islamabad Express, Rawal Express, Tezgam, Khyber Mail and Jaffer Express. Special discount would be given to the passengers of Badin Express between Kotri and Badin Express and Saman Sarkar between Hyderabad and Mirpur Khas. A special package has been announced for passengers of AC business class. A free ticket would be given who would purchase five tickets of the business class.
An official of the department said that it was observed that some railway routes had potential with respect to revenue generation, therefore, in order to enhance the profit margins of Pakistan Railways through expansion of sales, it has been decided to reduce the fares in coming month. He added that the package might continue after Ramzan as well.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways restored dining cars in Karachi Express between Lahore and Karachi, Jaffer Express between Rawalpindi and Quetta and Akber Express between Lahore and Quetta.