Pakistan Railways plans to introduce quality dining facilities on the Allama Iqbal Express passenger train by September 2024 to provide travelers with fresh food options.
“Passengers will enjoy an improved environment with enhanced dining facilities, as the upgraded dining car can accommodate around 40 passengers at a time,” an official from the Ministry of Railways said.
The official mentioned that Pakistan Railways has successfully introduced premium lounge dining cars on the Bahauddin Zakariya, Tezgam Express, and Khyber Mail trains. Recently, a dining facility was added to the Khyber Mail train, which operates between Karachi and Lahore, with a seating capacity of up to 34 passengers and a designated prayer area.
Passengers on the Khyber Mail train can pick from around 40 meal options, including traditional Pakistani dishes, Italian cuisine, and fast food items. “With its limited resources, the department is doing its best to improve services. In addition to the modern dining car facility, Pakistan Railways has also decided to enhance cleanliness services and improve passenger rest and sleeping facilities,” the official added.
The official highlighted that the dining car is air-conditioned with a pleasant ambiance, offering a restaurant-like experience where passengers can enjoy high-quality, delicious food similar to city restaurants. The dining car has modern kitchen facilities, including Tandoors and microwave ovens. Waiters can serve meals at passengers’ seats as well.