The recent surge in petroleum prices has led Pakistan Railways to increase fares for both passenger and freight trains. Effective from July 19, 2024, passenger train fares have been raised by 1% and freight train fares by 2%.
This follows the government’s decision to increase petrol prices by Rs. 9.99 per liter, setting the new price at Rs. 275.60 per liter. High-speed diesel prices also rose by Rs. 6.18 per liter, reaching Rs. 283.63 per liter, while kerosene oil saw an increase of Rs. 1.83 per liter.
According to the Railways Department, the fare hikes apply to all classes of passenger trains, including economy, AC standard, AC business, and AC parlor, as well as mail, express, and intercity trains, including those under public-private partnerships.
Divisional superintendents have been instructed to update fare tables accordingly. It is notable that no fare relief was provided when petroleum prices decreased, but the recent rise prompted an immediate fare increase.
Additionally, freight rates were previously increased by 3% starting from July 3, 2024. This adjustment followed the release of Pakistan Railways revenue figures for the financial year 2023-24, which showed a record revenue generation of Rs. 88 billion, reflecting a 40% growth over the previous year’s revenue of Rs. 63 billion.
The government had set a revenue target of Rs. 73 billion, but Pakistan Railways surpassed this target by earning an additional Rs. 15 billion.