As the nation prepares to celebrate Eidul Fitr 2026, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of four special train services aimed at facilitating the travel of thousands of passengers returning to their hometowns for the festivities. This initiative is part of the railways’ ongoing efforts to manage the surge in travelers during peak holiday seasons, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient journey for all.
The introduction of these additional trains comes in response to the traditionally high demand for rail travel during Eid, a time when millions across Pakistan undertake long-distance journeys to reunite with family and friends. By deploying extra services, Pakistan Railways aims to alleviate overcrowding on regular trains, reduce delays, and provide safer travel conditions amid the holiday rush.
The first of these special trains is scheduled to depart from Lahore at 7:30 pm on March 16, heading towards Karachi. This train will make stops at key stations including Okara, Sahiwal, and Khanewal, before reaching Karachi at 3:45 pm the following day. This route is particularly popular as it connects two of Pakistan’s largest cities, catering to a significant number of passengers.
Following this, the second special train will operate on March 17, traveling from Quetta to Rawalpindi. Along its route, it will halt at important junctions such as Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanewal, and Lahore, providing vital connectivity for passengers from Balochistan to northern Punjab. This service is expected to be heavily utilized given the diverse regions it links.
On the same day, March 17, a third special train will depart from Karachi bound for Peshawar, traversing a long stretch that covers much of the country’s length. This train will serve travelers heading towards the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, offering an essential transportation option during the Eid period.
The fourth and final special service is set to run from Karachi to Lahore on March 18. This train will provide additional capacity for passengers traveling between these two major urban centers, helping to ease the pressure on regular services during the peak travel window.
It is important to note that earlier this month, Pakistan Railways implemented a fare increase for both economy and air-conditioned classes, raising ticket prices by 5% and 10% respectively. This adjustment was necessary to offset the rising operational costs driven by a sharp increase in fuel prices. Additionally, cargo train rates have been increased by 20%, reflecting the broader economic challenges faced by the transportation sector.
The fare revisions took effect from Monday, March 9, but advance bookings made prior to this date remain unaffected by the new rates. A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways emphasized that the organization will absorb the additional expenses related to passenger services to minimize the impact on travelers as much as possible.
These price changes come in the wake of the government’s decision to raise petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs55 per litre, marking the largest hike to date. This increase is largely attributed to the indirect economic repercussions of the ongoing US-Israel conflict on Iran, which has disrupted fuel supply chains and driven up costs. Currently, the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel stands at Rs335.86 per litre, representing a nearly 20% rise, while petrol prices have surged by approximately 17% to Rs321.17 per litre.
In summary, the deployment of these four special trains by Pakistan Railways reflects a proactive approach to managing the anticipated travel demand during Eidul Fitr 2026. Despite the challenges posed by rising fuel costs and fare adjustments, the railways remain committed to providing reliable and accessible transportation options for the public during this important cultural occasion.
