Pakistan Railways has increased the prices for tickets after the government decided to raise fuel prices. The decision will be effective from Monday, March 9. Officials claimed the rise in petrol and diesel costs made it imperative to take this decision for the smooth operation of Pakistan Railways.
Passenger Fares to Rise
Economy class tickets will go up by five percent, while air-conditioned classes will see a 10 percent increase. Pakistan Railways clarified that the hike will not affect tickets booked in advance.
The railway authority also said it will continue to cover part of the operational costs for passenger trains. This aims to ease the impact on regular travelers, who depend on trains for affordable transport.
Cargo Charges See a Bigger Jump
The fares for cargo trains have risen by 20 percent. It was necessary to make these adjustments in order to maintain smooth freight operations as costs climb.
The government recently increased petrol by Rs55 per litre, from Rs266.17 to Rs321.17, while diesel rose to Rs335.86 from Rs280.86. Authorities said the surge reflects the first direct economic impact of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
The rapid and sudden increase in prices reflects the spillover effect of the global crisis on Pakistan’s domestic spheres. Thus, travelers and businesses alike are expected to feel the difference in the coming weeks.
