Pakistan Railways Opens Luxury Saloons to Public at Discounted Fares
In a move to make premium rail travel more accessible, Pakistan Railways has announced that its luxury saloon coaches—previously reserved for high-ranking government officials—are now available to the general public at significantly reduced rates.
Exclusive Coaches Now Publicly Bookable
According to an official statement, the luxury saloons that were earlier allocated exclusively for the Prime Minister, federal ministers, senior railway officials, and police chiefs, have now been opened for public reservations. The decision is part of a broader initiative to optimize existing railway assets and provide enhanced travel experiences to ordinary passengers.
The announcement was made following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and implemented under the supervision of Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi.
Discounted Fares Announced
The new fare structure offers public access to these high-end coaches at discounted prices:
* *Prime Minister’s Saloon*:
* Karachi to Lahore – Rs600,000
* Islamabad to Lahore – Rs150,000
* *Other Luxury Saloons*:
* Karachi to Lahore – Rs400,000
* Islamabad to Lahore – Rs100,000
These coaches will be operational on key intercity routes, including *Islamabad–Lahore, **Karachi–Lahore*, and vice versa.
Modern Amenities on Board
Railway officials emphasized that the saloons come equipped with modern facilities, offering enhanced comfort, privacy, and a premium travel experience. The initiative aims to attract a wider segment of passengers interested in luxury and convenience while utilizing underused assets within the railway system.
ATM Installations at Railway Stations
In a parallel development aimed at improving passenger convenience, Pakistan Railways has begun installing *automated teller machines (ATMs)* at major stations across the country. The project is being carried out in partnership with multiple commercial banks.
The installation will start at key locations and later expand to stations nationwide, ensuring broader access to financial services for travelers.
A Pakistan Railways spokesperson stated that these efforts reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to modernize infrastructure and improve the overall journey experience for passengers.
