During the Eid holidays, Pakistan Railways achieved its highest-ever passenger revenue, according to an official statement released on Tuesday, earning over Rs480 million ($1.7 million) in just three days as part of efforts to revitalize the country’s rail system and enhance services.
The state-run operator reported earning Rs110 million ($395,000) on the first day of Eid, Rs170 million ($611,000) on the second, and more than Rs200 million ($718,000) on the third day. In total, passenger revenue for the week surpassed Rs1 billion ($3.6 million).
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi praised the achievement, attributing it to sound policies and efficient management, and extended congratulations to the railway administration. He instructed officials to speed up initiatives to improve passenger amenities and emphasized that upgrading railway infrastructure remains a top priority.
This notable performance comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aging rail network, aiming to provide better services for passengers and smoother transportation of goods, which is crucial for trade and economic activity.
In recent years, the government has focused on upgrading railway tracks, increasing train speeds, and developing freight corridors connecting major ports like Karachi to industrial hubs, with the goal of lowering logistics costs and boosting both imports and exports.
Abbasi noted that the Karachi-to-Rohri railway line is expected to be fully modernized within the next three years, a project that will improve travel quality and significantly raise train speeds.
Pakistan Railways has historically faced challenges due to underinvestment and outdated infrastructure, but ongoing reforms are designed to rebuild public trust and strengthen its role in both passenger travel and freight transport.
