LAHORE: Pakistan Railways’ model train, Karakoram Express, equipped with modern travel facilities, has commenced operations under private-sector management.
Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Railways Muhammad Hafeezullah, accompanied by directors of M/s Prime Rail, inaugurated the train at Lahore Railway Station on Friday and saw off passengers travelling to Karachi.
The private firm, M/s Prime Rail, has announced a 25 per cent discount on fares of all classes until November 6.
Comprising 20 coaches, the train offers AC Sleeper, AC Business, AC Standard and Economy classes, along with modern facilities including mineral water, fresh meals, bedding, mobile charging, Wi-Fi and an infotainment system. Complimentary services will also be provided to passengers travelling in AC Sleeper and AC Business classes.
Departing simultaneously from Lahore and Karachi at 3:00 pm, the Karakoram Express will stop at Raiwind, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Landhi and Drigh Road stations. The train will cover the distance between Lahore and Karachi in 19 hours.
Under the discounted fare structure applicable until November 6, the AC Sleeper fare has been fixed at Rs12,600, AC Business at Rs9,550, AC Standard at Rs7,550 and Economy Class at Rs4,150.
Passengers travelling in AC Sleeper and AC Business classes will also be provided complimentary services within the same ticket fare.
It may be mentioned that Pakistan Railways has outsourced the commercial management of the Karakoram Express to private firm M/s Prime Rail for an annual amount of Rs3.9015 billion.