Pakistan Railways has announced an Eid package with a 30% discount on train fares, in addition to carrying 5 special trains to facilitate passengers to occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

A Pakistan Railways spokesman said that 30% discount for passengers on Eid ul Fitr has been announced. In addition, all trains, irrespective of their class, can also benefit from the Eid rates on the second and third days of Eid.

The decision was taken at the meeting led by CEO Pakistan Railways Aftab Akbar.

The discounts are also available with advance bookings.

Last year, the government announced a 33% discount on rail transport. However, the tariff rate only applied to the first two days of Eid. To help people, this time the discounts can also be used for the second and third day of Eid ul Fitr.

Routes and schedule of Eid Trains

Pakistan Railways runs five special trains from different cities on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr throughout the country in an effort to expand maximum facilities for passengers so they can spend the holidays with their loved ones.

The route plans of these special trains have been issued by Pakistan Railways. Special Eid trains run from Karachi, Quetta, Rawalpindi and Multan, while additional bogies are fitted with trains to accommodate the maximum number of passengers.

According to available data:

• the first Eid train begins on 12 of this month from Karachi to Peshawar Cantt.
• the second train travels on the same date from station Quetta to Rawalpindi
• The third special train starts on 13 June from Karachi Cantt to Lahore,
• the fourth special train starts on 14 June from Rawalpindi to Multan Cantt.
• The fifth special train starts its journey on 19 June from Multan Cantt to Rawalpindi.

Regarding the rates:

• The first special train (economy class) from Karachi to Malkwal costs Rs 1480 and Rs 1860 from Karachi to Peshawar.
• The second special train from Quetta to Rawalpindi costs:
  • Rs 1540 for economy class
  • Rs 3550 for AC standard
  • Rs 4420 for a business class.
• The third special train (economy class) from Karachi to Lahore costs Rs 1430.
• The fourth special train (economy class) from Rawalpindi to Multan costs Rs 980.
• The fifth special train (economy class) from Multan to Rawalpindi costs Rs 980.

Fuel price expenditure

An official said that because of the rise in fuel prices, the rates did not get as much discount as last year.

A significant sum of Rs 13.375 billion has been allocated for fuel during the current fiscal year 2017-2018. These expenses are outside the control of Pakistan Railways, as many upward revisions of fuel prices have taken place in the current financial year.

To meet the heavy crowds during Eid, the Railways would attach extra buses to its trains.