Islamabad: The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices has once again affected the pockets of the public, and this time it has affected railway passengers and freight transport. Pakistan Railways has increased the fares of passenger and goods trains by 2 percent, while the fare of coal transportation has also been increased by 3 percent.
According to railway officials, the increase in passenger train fares will be implemented from July 18, while the fares of goods trains will be charged according to the new rates from July 21. The railway administration says that this increase had become inevitable due to the continuous increase in fuel prices.
Interestingly, this is the second increase in the last two weeks. Earlier, on July 4, passenger train fares were increased by 2 percent. Railway sources say that if the prices of petroleum products increase further, the fares can be reviewed again.
Public circles have expressed concern over the decision. A passenger said, “Now even trains have become expensive, cheap travel has become a dream.” On the other hand, transporters and industrialists have also expressed concerns over the increase in goods train fares, saying that it could affect the prices of other goods, including food items.
Pakistan Railways is already facing financial difficulties and the management says that this modest increase in fares is necessary to strengthen the institution and improve services.
