ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is providing a 50 percent discount on train fares to support disabled individuals traveling on all express and passenger trains, excluding the Green Line service.
“The concession is provided upon presenting a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) that includes the disability logo,” an official from the Ministry of Railways informed the official media.
He stated that a 50 percent discount is also available for attendants accompanying visually impaired individuals. Regarding facilities at Railway Stations and Reservation Offices, he mentioned that wheelchairs are provided at all major stations to assist disabled passengers.
The official further stated that dedicated reservation and booking counters have been designated for disabled individuals at reservation offices.
Free access to executive washrooms and restrooms has been made available at select major stations for special individuals.
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The official stated that executive washroom facilities are being developed at 12 major stations and will offer free access to disabled passengers.
In response to a question, the official stated that the Khushal Khan Khattak Express was discontinued in March 2020 due to the suspension of train operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that Pakistan Railways operates 98 trains daily with 1,180 serviceable coaches. The department owns 1,680 passenger coaches in total, but 72 percent of them have exceeded their useful life.
The official said the overage coaches require extra resources, and maintenance costs to keep them fit for operation. At present, 2 Up and 2 Down trains are running between Peshawar and Karachi, he added.
He said that two passenger trains, Bolan Mail and Mohenjo-Daro Express, are operating on the Larkana section to meet the area’s transportation needs, while the restoration of Khushal Khan Khattak Express will be considered once coach availability improves, along with an evaluation of operating costs and commercial viability.
