Sir Syed Express
The Sir Syed Express, a newly introduced passenger train service, has been inaugurated to connect Rawalpindi to Karachi, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s railway network.
The first train of this service departed today from Rawalpindi, and it is expected to complete its journey to Karachi in 24 hours. This initiative is aimed at enhancing travel convenience between the northern and southern regions of the country, offering a modern and efficient alternative for long-distance travel.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Nooruddin Dawar, the Divisional Superintendent (DS) of Railways, who officially launched the Sir Syed Express.
This new train service consists of 16 coaches and follows a comprehensive route from Rawalpindi, passing through Jhelum, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Sangla Hill, Faisalabad, Khanewal, Rohri, and Hyderabad before finally reaching its destination in Karachi.
This route ensures connectivity across several major cities, making it an accessible option for passengers traveling across Pakistan.
The Sir Syed Express is being operated under a public-private partnership model, a significant shift from the conventional government-operated railway services. This model is expected to improve operational efficiency and provide better services to passengers.
The train’s composition includes one AC sleeper coach, three AC business coaches, and one AC standard coach. Additionally, there are eight economy coaches, providing options for travelers across different price ranges.
The train also features a dining car to cater to the passengers’ food and beverage needs, which will be managed by a private company responsible for onboard food services. The private company has made special arrangements to ensure the availability of clean water and maintain hygiene throughout the journey.
To enhance passenger experience, the Sir Syed Express is equipped with free Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to stay connected during their journey.
The convenience of buying tickets has also been improved, as passengers can now purchase them online through mobile applications, making the process more efficient and user-friendly.
The train service is expected to generate significant revenue, with railway officials projecting an annual income of around 3 billion rupees for Pakistan Railways.
Aamir Baloch, the CEO of Railways, emphasized that the public-private partnership model adopted for the Sir Syed Express will promote self-reliance within the railway sector and help increase overall revenue.
He highlighted that this model could pave the way for further improvements in the railway services, offering more modern and competitive options to travelers. In his address, he also revealed plans for the launch of ten additional trains under this model in the upcoming month, which could further revolutionize Pakistan’s railway network.
The introduction of the Sir Syed Express is a step toward modernizing the railway infrastructure in Pakistan. By combining public oversight with private operational management, the service aims to deliver a higher standard of travel, increase customer satisfaction, and ensure sustainable revenue generation for Pakistan Railways.
The launch of this service not only reflects a commitment to enhancing public transportation but also sets the stage for future developments in the country’s rail sector, aiming for more efficient and profitable operations.
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