LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has announced an increase in fares for express and freight trains.
According to officials, fares for express trains and saloons have been raised by 3 percent, while freight train charges have gone up by 4 percent. A notification regarding the fare hike has been issued, which will take effect from June 20.
Railway authorities said the increase aims to balance operational costs and generate more resources to improve services.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has launched a grand operation against passengers traveling without tickets. Hundreds of ticketless travelers were caught and fined, with total collections in rent and penalties amounting to over Rs252,000.
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Acting on the instructions of CEO Railways Aamir Ali Baloch, commercial officers carried out raids on various trains, particularly in the Multan Division. The operation was led by Chief Commercial Manager Ali Rizwan Rizvi and Deputy CCM Kamran Saeed.
During the raids, 154 passengers were found traveling without tickets. They were charged both fare and heavy fines, which were deposited into the national treasury.
CEO Railways and CCM have vowed strict action against ticketless passengers and negligent staff. They said the crackdown will continue across all divisions.
According to CEO Aamir Baloch, the department had been receiving daily complaints that hundreds of passengers were traveling without tickets, causing significant financial losses to Pakistan Railways. The operation was launched in response to these reports.
