Green Line Successor Launch
A high-speed express train like the Green Line is expected to be launched between Islamabad and Karachi via Lahore by the Pakistan Railways in January next year.Â
Enhanced Passenger Amenities
The primary goal of this new train service is, indeed, to provide passengers with advanced amenities and, consequently, an enhanced travel experience. Furthermore, teams from relevant departments are actively preparing for the launch of this modern train, which is expected to begin by the end of January next year.
Local Coach Production and Improved Services
Pakistan Railways is actively improving passenger services and utilizing new technology to locally produce coaches, which eliminates the need for imports. Additionally, the department is working to enhance food quality and cleanliness, ensuring a comfortable and clean environment for passengers.
Commercial Management and Financial Restructuring
The Pakistan Railways has outsourced the commercial management of 13 trains, as well as brake and luggage vans, for better efficiency and earnings. “Additionally”, Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Muhammad Usman Awaisi detailed these efforts in the National Assembly earlier this month. “Moreover” according to him, they made decisions to optimize resource utilization, “which in turn” boosted earnings to Rs946 million in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Revenue Generation and Financial Discipline
Awaisi highlighted that the earnings were possible through financial restructuring plans aimed at reducing operational costs, optimising revenue generation, and improving financial discipline. The load optimisation strategy, which entails operating full train loads as per the hauling capacity of the locomotives, has also contributed to the increase in earnings.
Passenger and Freight Revenue
Passenger trains operated on average with 19 coaches, resulting in revenue of Rs43.512 billion, surpassing the target by Rs7.763 billion. Freight trains, with a load of 3,400 tonnes, enhanced freight earnings to Rs25.025 billion, exceeding the target by Rs2.699 billion. Fuel prices have influenced the indexing of passenger fare and freight tariffs, with pricing decisions driven by market dynamics.
Introduction of E-ticketing App
The team introduced the E-ticketing App “Railway Automated Booking and Travel Assistance” (Rabta) to ease customers’ booking processes and improve service delivery. The Railway Land and Property Rules 2023 have also contributed to revenue generation, with Rs3.246 billion generated from the lease of land.
Long-term Strategic Plans
The Pakistan Railways has developed long-term strategic plans to revitalise the sector, improve service quality, enhance safety standards, and ensure sustainability in revenue generation. The upgradation of ML-1, a rail link between Karachi and Peshawar, will increase the line’s capacity from 34 to 100 and 20 trains per day.
New Inductions and Future Prospects
Awaisi informed the House that the government would also induct 80 new high-capacity freight wagons and 32 passenger AC standard coaches this year to increase revenue. The Green Line Successor Launch marks a significant step towards a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway system in Pakistan.
