Lahore:
Against an increase in derailments, sudden train cancellations and long delays, a growing number of passengers have begun to abandon Pakistan Railways in favor of luxury bus connections.
The shift in travel preferences has left the railways operating with reduced passenger numbers, often merging the bookings of two or three trains for a journey due to low paving.
According to official railway data, several up and down trains, including larger routes such as Karachi, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi, have been suspended without prior notice.
Remarkable among the canceled services is Shah Hussain Business Express and Shalimar Express. Affected passengers are accommodated in other trains, such as the green line, which in itself is often delayed.
Officials cite an aging railway infrastructure as a key factor. Many numbers, especially in smaller cities and remote regions, are over a century -old. Lack of timely maintenance has led to an increase in accidents, derailments and collisions with wagons and other vehicles by unguarded crossings. The dilapidated state of the physical assets of the railway has significantly eroded public confidence in the service.
Adding to passenger fruit is the appalling conditions at railway stations. Waiting areas are crowded or almost non-existent, many platforms are over 100 years old and lack enough space for passengers and their families, and sanitation is a major problem.
Toilets are ugly and often useless, while food suppliers charge exorbitant prices for poor quality items. Despite repeated visits and surprise inspections from the Federal Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi and Directives to improve services, the conditions have hardly been improved.
Passenger Rehan Hashim, scheduled to travel to Karachi, told Express News:
“We were shocked to learn that our Business Express was canceled. They moved us to the Green Line, which was four hours late. There was no proper waiting area and the heat was unbearable. Rail Travel used to be entertaining, but now it is a humiliating experience despite having paid thousands. Traveling with coach is far better.”
While Pakistan Railways claims that the passenger number typically dips during the pre-summer holiday months and expects traffic to pick up when schools close, passengers and analysts claim that service quality, not the season, drives the decline.
Officials insist that food quality and station facilities are upgraded in coordination with Punjab Food Authority. Nevertheless, passengers report no visible improvements beyond short -term clean -up efforts after inspections.
