In the fiscal year 2023-24, approximately 41.91 million passengers traveled by train, a significant increase from 35.40 million in 2022-23, marking a rise of 6.51 million passengers, according to Pakistan Railways.
The total passenger earnings for 2023-24 amounted to Rs. 47.712 billion, surpassing the budget target by Rs. 8.712 billion. Additionally, the earnings saw an increase of Rs. 13.799 billion compared to the previous year, 2022-23.
The railway also generated Rs. 39.803 billion from other sources, including freight, military traffic, property and land, scrap, and other revenue streams.
Pakistan Railways is optimistic that passenger numbers will continue to rise in the coming year. To enhance the passenger experience, special arrangements have been made, including the introduction of modern dining cars, mobile charging sockets, and water dispensers for clean drinking water in coaches.
The railway has also installed Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) for easy ticket purchases, information counters for passenger assistance, digital display boards for train arrivals and departures, and facilities like wheelchairs and ramps for disabled passengers.
To improve train punctuality, Pakistan Railways is addressing track speed restrictions with special maintenance, upgrading the signaling system with computerized interlocking, installing solar systems, performing timely locomotive maintenance, and introducing new passenger coaches.
For passenger grievance redressal, a state-of-the-art call center has been set up under the Railway Automated Booking and Travelling Assistance (RABTA) system. Passengers can also lodge complaints via the official website, through complaint registers at stations, or on trains.
The department also stated that contractors selling substandard products are penalized, and after receiving three fines, their agreements with Pakistan Railways are terminated.
