Pakistan Railways has directed private train operators to provide travel concessions to eligible passengers. The move follows several complaints about the refusal of discounted tickets and other facilities.
The instructions cover railway passes, privilege ticket orders (PTOs), and other approved travel benefits. The department has reminded operators that these concessions must remain available under existing railway rules.
The Office of the Chief Commercial Manager at Pakistan Railways Headquarters in Lahore issued the directive. It addressed five private operators: S. Jamil & Company, ZKB-BT JV, AA Enterprises, Prime Rail, and Lasani Cargo.
According to the department, operators have received repeated instructions to provide these facilities. Eligible passengers include senior citizens, journalists, persons with disabilities, and railway employees.
The latest directive aims to ensure that entitled passengers can access their approved travel benefits. Private operators must follow the relevant contractual terms and applicable railway policies.
Travel Concessions Must Remain Available on Private Trains
Pakistan Railways referred to Clause 5.15 of its agreements with private operators. This clause requires operators to honor specified travel facilities for railway employees and other eligible individuals.
These benefits include railway employee travel facilities, privilege passes, and post-retirement passes. The requirements also cover duty ticket orders, privilege ticket orders, special passes, and other applicable concessions.
The department clarified that these facilities remain valid on outsourced trains. Private operators cannot refuse eligible passengers the benefits covered by the applicable rules and agreements.
Pakistan Railways has also explained the availability of concessionary seats. The relevant quota for eligible passengers will remain available until 48 hours before the train’s scheduled departure.
This deadline is important for passengers planning to use their approved travel concessions. Eligible travelers should check the applicable requirements before making their journeys.
Complaints Reported Through Citizen Portal and Ombudsman
The department said it had received numerous complaints about denied travel facilities. These complaints were submitted through the Pakistan Citizen Portal and the Wafaqi Mohtasib, also known as the Federal Ombudsman.
The complaints highlighted concerns over the refusal of concessions to passengers entitled to receive them. In response, the department reminded private operators of their contractual responsibilities.
Passengers who face a denial of applicable concessions have been advised to contact the relevant railway authorities. They can submit complaints for review and prompt action.
The department has instructed all concerned operators to comply with the directive immediately. It has also called for strict implementation of their contractual obligations.
Private Operators Told to Follow Railway Rules
The latest instructions reinforce the requirement to provide all admissible travel concessions. Operators must follow existing railway rules, contractual agreements, and applicable policies.
Eligible passengers should confirm their entitlement and the conditions attached to their particular concession. They should also retain relevant documents when seeking assistance from railway authorities.
Pakistan Railways has emphasized that approved travel facilities must not be denied to entitled passengers. The directive seeks to ensure consistent implementation of concession policies across outsourced train services.
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The department has called for immediate compliance from all five operators named in the letter. Passengers can approach the relevant authorities if they continue to face difficulties accessing their approved benefits.
