Pakistan Railways (PKR) has recently announced a 5% hike in train fares, set to take effect from September 19, 2023. This decision is a result of the recent upswing in petroleum prices instated by the interim government, starting on September 16, 2023.
Currently, petrol is priced at Rs. 331.38 in Pakistan, with high-speed diesel (HSD) at Rs. 329.18. The surge in fuel costs has prompted Pakistan Railways to recalibrate train fares, encompassing all mail or express, intercity, saloon, and parcel services. However, this adjustment excludes short-haul passenger and shuttle trains.
It’s noteworthy that this marks the second occasion Pakistan Railways has revised train fares since August 2023, when fares for all passenger trains were raised by 10%. These changes have posed challenges for the common man, especially laborers, in terms of travel expenses.
Nonetheless, these fare modifications are a response to the economic fluctuations driven by the escalation in fuel prices, with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of Pakistan Railways’ operations while accommodating the shifting economic landscape.
The official notification issued on September 18, 2023, reads as follows: