No reduction in train fares, announces Rasheed

• Railways minister says Pakistan Railways had reduced the train occupancy more than Britain and India.
• On May 18, the railways minister announced that ticket prices will be reduced by 50 to 60 percent.

(Karachi) Railways Minister Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad has said that there will be no reduction in fares as trains will be run at 60 percent occupancy to maintain social distancing.

Addressing a press briefing in Peshawar on Tuesday, he said that Pakistan Railways had reduced the train occupancy more than Britain and India. He added, "We are running trains at 70 percent occupancy."

Rasheed maintained that he was grateful to Prime Minister Imran Khan for allowing train operations to resume from tomorrow "It was very difficult. The provinces were not agreeing but I am thankful to the prime minister for allowing the transport of the poor to resume," he said.

On May 18, the railways minister announced that ticket prices will be reduced by 50 to 60 percent, even though the move will land the ministry in a loss. He stated that passengers will be facilitated on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.