PESHAWAR: Pakistan Railways on Monday launched an upgraded Awam Express train service connecting Peshawar with Karachi, in a move aimed at improving passenger travel and strengthening rail connectivity across the country.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station, where Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah formally inaugurated the service in the presence of railway officials, passengers and invited guests. Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi also attended the ceremony.
According to railway authorities, the upgraded Awam Express has been equipped with improved passenger facilities, including eight air-conditioned coaches, upgraded seating arrangements and additional onboard amenities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort during long-distance travel.
The train has the capacity to accommodate approximately 1,234 passengers. The first upgraded Awam Express departed from Peshawar for Karachi at 8:30am on Monday. The service will pass through several major cities and junctions, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Liaquatpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Dharki, Pano Aqil, Rohri, Nawabshah, Tando Adam and Hyderabad before reaching Karachi.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Syed Mazhar Ali Shah said Pakistan Railways was committed to providing passengers with improved and modern travel facilities and encouraged travellers to benefit from the upgraded service.
He described the Awam Express as a public-oriented initiative by the federal government for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces. The railway secretary also referred to the recent terrorist incident in Quetta, saying such incidents could not weaken the nation’s resolve.
He added that Pakistan Railways continued to represent national unity and that efforts would continue to further strengthen railway operations and business activities. Speaking at the ceremony, Shahid Afridi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the recent Quetta incident and offered prayers for the victims.
He also congratulated Pakistan Railways on the launch of the upgraded train service and noted that the Shahid Afridi Foundation had installed a water filtration plant at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station for public use. Passengers welcomed the launch of the new service and expressed satisfaction over the upgraded facilities available on board.
Several travellers thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and railway officials for introducing the upgraded Awam Express service from Peshawar. Passengers described the initiative as a positive development for people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Pakistan, particularly those relying on rail travel for long-distance journeys.
