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Pakistan Railways has announced an immediate increase in ticket fares for train services on the Rawalpindi–Lahore route, specifically affecting the Subak Kharam and Subak Raftar railcars.
Key Details of the Fare Revision
The fare increase ranges from Rs 150 to Rs 250.
The railways spokesperson added that, in return for the hike, passengers will now receive refreshments during their journey.
New Fare Structure (Rawalpindi-Lahore)
- AC Parlor: Rs 2,500
- AC Business: Rs 2,250
- AC Standard: Rs 2,100
- Economy Class: Rs 1,300
Public Sentiment
Currently, inflation and operational costs are already taking the life out of public transport operators across Pakistan. Rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and staff expenses have already made it rough for Pakistan Railways to sustain its earlier ticket rates.
However, for thousands of daily commuters, this price hike adds yet another strain on household budgets. Many students and lower-income workers rely on economy class fares for affordable intercity travel.
In the broader context, this move reflects Pakistan Railways’ ongoing struggle to strike a balance between revenue generation and public affordability. As operational challenges mount, fare hikes might become more frequent unless systemic reforms or government subsidies offer relief in the near future.
