Pakistan Railways, grappling with financial constraints, has chosen to suspend the operations of Shalimar Express. Insider information reveals that this decision was spurred by the staggering daily loss of approximately Rs 2 million. The express train service operates its route from Lahore to Karachi.
Earlier in May 2023, the railway authority reintroduced the high-speed Shalimar Express service after an eight-month hiatus. To bolster its reputation and ensure a smooth journey for passengers, the train’s 19 coaches underwent extensive refurbishment at the renowned Mughalpura Workshop.
Historically, the train’s itinerary spanned from Karachi, covering Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Multan, further extending to Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, and finally culminating in Lahore.
Decision Dynamics
The move to revive the high-speed train service was initiated during a pivotal meeting on April 8. This congregation, hosted at the Lahore headquarters, was presided over by the Federal Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique. However, the recent developments underline the ongoing economic challenges the railway sector faces.
