KEY POINTS
- Luxury saloon coaches, previously reserved for top officials, are now open for public booking
- The initiative aims to democratize premium travel and optimize underused railway assets
- The saloon coaches will run on major intercity routes like Karachi–Lahore and Islamabad–Lahore
ISLAMABAD: Fueled by record-breaking revenues of Rs88 billion—driven by strategic outsourcing and ambitious reforms in 2024-25—Pakistan Railways is changing old ways and moving toward a more inclusive future.
In an exciting step, the luxurious saloon coaches that were once only for top government officials are now open for everyone to book.
This means regular passengers can now enjoy a high-end travel experience that was once only for the powerful, starting a new chapter where comfort is for all, not just a few.
Acting on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Railways has rolled out a transformative initiative designed to bring premium travel within reach of everyday citizens while making smarter use of its existing assets.
In a groundbreaking move, five luxury saloon coaches—once reserved for the Prime Minister, federal ministers, and top railway officials—are now open for public booking.
With affordability at the heart of this effort, Pakistan Railways has pledged to keep fares for these high-end carriages well within reach, ensuring that comfort and elegance are no longer a privilege of the few.
A Pakistan Railways official told WE News English that the saloon coaches will operate on key intercity routes, including the bustling corridors between Karachi and Lahore, and Islamabad and Lahore.
Passengers can book these saloons either by visiting railway stations or through Pakistan Railways’ official online platforms.
Official says the move is part of a broader reform strategy aimed at modernizing the travel experience, boosting customer satisfaction, and increasing revenue by putting underused assets to better public use.
Just months ago, Pakistan Railways reached a historic milestone, pulling in a record-breaking Rs88 billion in revenue for 2024—an impressive 40% jump from the previous year.
This financial upswing was fueled by smart expansions, including the introduction of 10 new freight trains, boosted coach capacity, and a wave of passenger-friendly enhancements like executive washrooms and sleek dining lounges, all aimed at redefining the travel experience.
A recent government performance review further highlights the momentum: in just the first five months of FY2024-25, the railway generated Rs33 billion, marking a 14% rise compared to the same stretch last year.
Between February and December 2024, total revenue reached Rs80.53 billion, with Rs42.65 billion earned from passenger services, Rs27.85 billion from freight operations, and Rs10.04 billion from other avenues—up from Rs68.38 billion during the same period in 2023.
The numbers tell a story of a public institution finding its rhythm, modernizing with purpose, and gaining ground at full throttle.
