PM Orders Rail Fare Freeze as Government Absorbs Rising Diesel Costs
By Bilal Haider :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan Railways to keep passenger fares unchanged despite a sharp rise in diesel prices, with the federal government set to bear an additional financial burden to maintain affordable travel.
According to a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, the government will provide around Rs6 billion to cover increased operating costs until 30 June, preventing a fare increase that officials say would otherwise have been necessary. Authorities had been considering a 30% rise in ticket prices to offset higher fuel expenses.
The prime minister’s directive applies to all passenger categories, including Economy and air-conditioned classes, ensuring that rail travel costs remain stable during the current period of economic pressure.
Freight charges will also remain unchanged, a move aimed at supporting businesses and preventing further increases in the prices of transported goods.
Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi welcomed the decision, saying it had been taken to ease the burden on passengers during challenging economic conditions. He described the measure as a significant relief that would help keep travel affordable while ensuring continuity in freight services across the country.
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