Railways expands passenger facilities, upgrades major stations across country

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP):Pakistan Railways has accelerated efforts to improve passenger comfort, cleanliness and service standards by upgrading train services and modernizing railway stations across the country as part of its ongoing reform programme.

“The premier trains including the Green Line, Business Express, Shalimar Express and Karakoram Express are operating with enhanced passenger facilities, improved cleanliness and upgraded catering services,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP.

To maintain higher hygiene standards, he said the cleanliness of major railway stations including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Khanewal and Karachi Cantonment has been outsourced to regional waste management companies.

The official said similar initiatives are also underway to improve sanitation and food quality on other passenger trains across the railway network.

“Pakistan Railways has installed safe drinking water filtration plants at major railway stations to provide passengers with access to clean and hygienic water,” he added.

He said the modern escalators have also been installed at Lahore and Karachi Cantonment railway stations to facilitate passenger movement between platforms.

The official said the passengers travelling on the Green Line, Business Express and Rawalpindi Rail Car are being provided complimentary onboard services, including meals, hi-tea, Wi-Fi, bedding, mineral water and newspapers through partnerships with renowned service providers and five-star hotels.

To enhance passenger convenience, the official said that the modern CIP lounges have been established at Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi Cantonment railway stations, while air-conditioned waiting halls, family waiting areas and information desks have also been upgraded at major stations.

He said the public washrooms have been modernized and pay-to-use toilet facilities have been introduced to ensure better cleanliness and maintenance.

“Pakistan Railways has also launched a phased programme to improve key railway stations, with priority currently being given to Margalla, Rawalpindi and Chaklala stations,” he added.

Under this initiative, the official said the cleanliness services at these stations have been entrusted to the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC).

He said the upgradation work at Rohri Railway Station is also in progress, while large-scale renovation projects and private sector participation are being explored to improve maintenance and passenger services.

To a question, the official said the railway administration has established a comprehensive inspection and monitoring mechanism to ensure high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, catering quality, passenger amenities and overall service delivery.

“Regular inspections are conducted by railway officers with immediate corrective action taken whenever deficiencies are identified,” the official added.

To protect passengers from overcharging, he said Pakistan Railways has standardized food and beverage prices across its network in line with prevailing market rates.

He said the catering contractors have been directed to prominently display approved price lists inside trains and at railway stations, while regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.

The official said strict action is taken against contractors or vendors found violating approved pricing or quality standards.

“Pakistan Railways also operates a comprehensive passenger complaint and feedback system under which complaints are addressed on priority, and corrective measures are implemented promptly to improve service quality,” he said.

He said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient and passenger-friendly transport system aligned with international standards.