Pakistan Railways Cuts Train Fares by 20% for Eidul Fitr

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced a 20% reduction in train fares in anticipation of Eidul Fitr, as stated in a proclamation by the railways ministry on Saturday.

This fare reduction is part of Pakistan Railways‘ initiative to promote rail travel and ease costs for families traveling to celebrate the holiday together. The new fares will apply across all mail, express, and intercity passenger trains during the first three days of Eid.

“We will start our Eid operation on March 28 with three special trains departing before Eid and one on the third day of Eid,” said Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Amir Ali Baloch. The company plans to run four special trains that will facilitate travel from cities including Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

The reduction, effective from March 28 through March 30, will not apply to the Eid special trains, as specified in the railways’ official statement. The ministry encouraged advance bookings to benefit from the lower fares, with a promise that all booking offices will strictly enforce this fare reduction policy.

<p"This initiative is a source of joy for travelers across the country on the occasion of Eid," the statement highlighted. The railways minister also assured passengers that safety arrangements and the quality of train services will be prioritized.

In response to heightened security concerns, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the National Assembly that train security measures in Balochistan have been intensified, particularly following incidents involving the Jaffar Express. Each train traveling to Balochistan will now be staffed with up to 22 security personnel, including members from the Frontier Corps and Railway police.

Abbasi also announced the implementation of drone surveillance over train operations in Balochistan to further enhance security measures. Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras at various railway stations and sensitive locations is underway to bolster passenger safety.

As the Eid holiday approaches, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is expected to meet on March 30, to sight the Shawwal moon, potentially marking the end of Ramadan. With public holidays declared from March 31 to April 2, families across Pakistan are preparing for the celebrations.