ISLAMABAD: In a bid to improve passenger convenience and boost departmental revenue, Pakistan Railways has opted to reintroduce the ‘Akber Bugti Express’ passenger train, reconnecting Quetta to Lahore.
Acting upon the directive of the caretaker Minister for Railways, Shahid Ashraf Tarar, this decision aims to facilitate commuters traveling between Quetta and Punjab, easing travel to and from Balochistan, as highlighted by an official statement.
Presently, the Jaffer Express remains the sole operational passenger train in Balochistan, operating between Quetta and Peshawar, alongside local Chaman and Harnai trains.
In response to inquiries, the official highlighted Pakistan Railways’ efforts to expand its express train network to 96 last year, spanning the entire country, to better serve commuters.
“Before achieving the target of 96 trains across the railway network, the number stood at 86 last year, with improvements expected through the department’s focused endeavors,” the official added.
Passenger facilities at railway stations have been enhanced, including waiting rooms, vending stalls, station restaurants, wheelchair accessibility, information desks, computerized reservation services, public address systems, provision of paramedics and first aid, online reservation, passenger insurance, and the reinstatement of help desks at stations and on trains.
Regarding punctuality, the official noted a significant improvement in the overall punctuality ratio of trains, rising from 76 to 93 percent over five months due to stringent monitoring and measures taken by Pakistan Railways at divisional and ministry levels.
“The department’s concerted efforts in the last five months have led to a notable increase of over 20 million passengers, underscoring its achievements,” the official concluded.
