Pakistan Railways: Big Improvements or Just Hype? Passengers Compare It to Flying
After working for a month without rest, Muhammad Adeel (not his real name) finally got a few days off. He decided to travel from Rawalpindi to Lahore by train instead of by road — and what he experienced was completely different from what he expected.
When he reached Rawalpindi Railway Station, the first thing that caught his attention was the train’s fresh new look — clean, freshly painted, and well-maintained. As he entered, he was surprised to see neat seats, tidy floors, and a comfortable environment.
Soon after the train started moving, uniformed train hostesses appeared to help passengers find their seats and offer assistance. “For a moment, I felt like I was on an airplane,” Adeel said with a smile.
During the journey, passengers were served free lunch boxes and later offered tea. At first, Adeel hesitated, thinking there might be an extra charge — but the staff assured him it was completely free. His entire trip went smoothly, and when he reached Lahore Station, he was once again impressed by the clean waiting area and improved facilities.
Better Travel Experience for Passengers
In the past, Pakistan Railways often received complaints about delays, poor services, and dirty trains. But recently, many passengers have started sharing positive experiences on social media, praising the improvements.
To confirm this, Urdu News contacted Pakistan Railways spokesperson Babar Raza, who said the passenger experience has greatly improved in recent months.
Clean Trains, Better Food, and On-Time Service
According to the spokesperson, the main reason for improvement is that the Railway Minister himself now travels by train, allowing him to personally inspect issues and ensure changes are made quickly.
He said Pakistan Railways has worked to:
- Improve train schedules and reduce delays
- Sign contracts with private companies for cleaning and food services
- Provide free meals and tea to passengers on selected routes
- Introduce trained hostesses to assist travelers onboard
Although last month’s floods caused some delays, Babar Raza said most problems have now been resolved.
He added that stations and trains are being repainted, and more attention is being given to cleanliness and passenger comfort. Lahore and Karachi stations now have modern waiting areas with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and better food options.
Food Quality and Cleanliness
Food served on trains is checked by the Punjab Food Authority and Sindh Food Authority to make sure it meets safety and hygiene standards. Poor-quality items can be banned or fined.
Railways have also partnered with Lahore Waste Management Company and other agencies to maintain cleanliness inside trains and stations.
Still More Work to Do
However, these new services are not yet available on all routes. Right now, improvements are mainly seen on popular lines such as Rawalpindi to Lahore.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, passengers still face problems like old trains, poor facilities, and frequent delays. Pakistan Railways says its goal is to upgrade services across the entire country, but areas with higher passenger numbers are given priority due to funding limits.
The spokesperson added that on some routes, ticket prices have slightly increased in exchange for better services — such as food, tea, and onboard assistance. On other routes where passengers cannot afford higher fares, only basic services are provided.
Final Words
Passengers agree that while not everything is perfect yet, Pakistan Railways has definitely improved — especially on certain routes. Clean trains, free meals, friendly staff, and on-time journeys are giving travelers a new reason to choose the train again.
As one passenger put it, “It almost felt like flying — but on rails.” 🚄✈️
