Pakistan Railways (PR) is all set to re-introduce the high-speed Shalimar Express passenger train, which was suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per recent media reports, the train will resume its service from May 1st, and will operate between Lahore and Karachi via Sahiwal, instead of Faisalabad, which was the previous route.
According to sources, PR has renovated 19 high-speed bogies of the train at Mughalpura Workshop, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers. The train will cover a distance of 1,286 km and complete the journey in approximately 16 hours.
To celebrate the revival of the Shalimar Express, PR has announced discounts for passengers who book their tickets during the first month of its operation. Passengers who travel between May 1st and 15th can avail a discount of up to 20% on all classes, and those who travel between May 15th and 30th can avail a discount of 10%. Moreover, PR has also reduced the advance and current booking fares for the Shalimar Express, making it more affordable for passengers to travel between Lahore and Karachi.
The decision to restart the high-speed train was made during a meeting held on April 8th at the Lahore headquarters, chaired by Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Safique Rafique. The minister expressed his confidence that the Shalimar Express would be a popular choice for travelers, given its past record of providing a comfortable and reliable journey. He further emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and promoting tourism through better connectivity.
The revival of the Shalimar Express is expected to boost the country’s tourism sector and facilitate economic growth. With its modern amenities and faster travel time, the train is expected to attract a large number of passengers who prefer a safe and comfortable mode of transportation. It is also expected to create employment opportunities for locals, who can contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the train and its facilities.
