Pakistan Railways has announced a second fare increase within the past two weeks. Starting from July 4, express and passenger train fares will rise by 2%, including advanced bookings.

Fare Hike Driven by Diesel Price Surge

This increase follows a sharp rise in petroleum product costs, particularly diesel, which led Pakistan Railways to face a monthly loss of approximately Rs109 million.

Scope of Increase: Passenger, Express, and Saloons

The 2% fare hike applies to all express trains, passenger services, and saloon coaches. The adjustment also covers tickets already booked in advance.

Operational Orders Issued for System Updates

Railway management has directed IT and divisional superintendents to immediately update ticketing systems to reflect the new fares across all platforms and counters.

Revenue Measures Follow Earlier Freight Hike

This increase follows a 3% fare rise for passenger trains and a 4% for freight trains implemented on June 20. The dual adjustments aim to restore financial stability and fund service improvements

Government Fuel Policy Directly Affects Rail Pricing

The current fare hike responds to government-mandated increases in fuel prices. The cost of petrol rose by Rs14.80 per litre and diesel by Rs10.39 per litre, further pressuring operational budgets.

Impact and Outlook for Passengers

While essential for budget recovery and system upgrades, the fare hikes may burden commuters and travellers. Authorities emphasize the necessity but are urged to balance cost-recovery with affordability.