Pakistan Railways is all set to launch the Green Line passenger train operations from Islamabad to Karachi in mid-January to provide passengers with modern travel facilities and generate revenue for the department. A railways ministry official said that the train is comprised of two air-conditioned parlour, five air-conditioned business, six AC standard, and four to five economy class coaches, reports WealthPK. He said the decision to start the Green Line train was taken on the directives of minister for railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, who wanted to provide the ‘best facilities’ to travellers.

The official said travel time from Lahore to Karachi would be reduced to less than 20 hours, adding the passengers would get high-quality food during their journey. They would also get ticket at affordable rates. A separate LCD will be installed on each seat of the AC Parlor to let passengers enjoy favourite videos through headphones, the official explained. The Green Line train was scheduled to start operations from December 20, but some financial and other issues delayed its scheduled launch. The official said Pakistan Railways is also improving services in the passenger trains as well as at the major railway stations by involving the private sector.

He said cleanliness-related services in trains and at major stations, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Khanewal, Sukkur, Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur, are not satisfactory. If services of private sector are hired under a fast-track policy, the hygiene conditions at stations and in trains could be improved, thus helping restore the confidence of passengers in the department. The official said the railways minister has also asked the officials to accelerate efforts to bring uniformity in the design and signboards of stalls at major railway stations.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk