Pakistan Railways has announced an increase in train fares for several passenger classes as well as freight services after the recent rise in diesel prices. The revised fares will come into effect from March 9.
According to railway spokesperson Babar Ali, ticket prices for Economy Class will increase by 5 percent, while fares for all air-conditioned classes will see a 10 percent rise. In addition, the charges for freight trains have been raised by 20 percent due to higher operational costs.
The spokesperson explained that the decision was taken after a significant increase in fuel expenses, particularly diesel, which is a major component of railway operating costs. He said the department tried to minimize the burden on passengers by absorbing a portion of the additional costs rather than passing the entire increase on to commuters.
Officials stated that despite the fare adjustment, the railway administration will continue efforts to keep travel affordable for passengers. The partial absorption of expenses by Pakistan Railways is intended to reduce the financial impact on the public, especially those who rely on trains as an economical mode of transportation.
The new fare structure will apply to tickets purchased on or after March 9. However, passengers who had already booked their tickets before the announcement will not have to pay any extra charges, and their previously issued tickets will remain valid at the original price.
Railway authorities noted that the increase in fares was unavoidable because of the sharp rise in fuel prices, which has significantly affected transportation costs across the country.
The announcement came shortly after the government increased the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs. 55 per litre each. The rise in fuel costs has already impacted various sectors, including public transport and logistics, prompting several service providers to revise their charges to cope with higher operating expenses.
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