KARACHI: The Pakistan Railways reported record passenger earnings during the Eid holiday period, as higher travel demand and recent administrative measures boosted revenues at the loss-making state operator.
According to details issued by the Pakistan Railways here on Tuesday, the passenger revenue reached about Rs 110 million on the first day of Eid, Rs 170 million on the second, and more than Rs200 million on the third, according to official figures. Weekly earnings from passenger services crossed Rs1 billion, indicating a seasonal spike in ridership.
The performance comes as the Pakistan Railways has been pursuing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing occupancy rates and reducing reliance on government subsidies. The department has historically struggled with financial deficits, driven by aging infrastructure, slow train speeds and high operating costs, while competing with road transport.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the latest figures reflected the impact of “positive policies and effective administrative measures,” and directed officials to accelerate improvements in passenger facilities.
Analysts said sustained revenue growth will depend on structural upgrades and service reliability beyond peak travel seasons. The government has prioritised infrastructure modernisation, including a plan to upgrade the Karachi–Rohri mainline within three years, aimed at improving journey times, safety and network capacity.
While holiday traffic provides a short-term boost, long-term financial stability will hinge on broader reforms, including track modernisation, better asset utilisation and potential expansion of freight operations — a higher-margin segment seen as critical to turning around the railway’s balance sheet.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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