By launching its two special trains, Pakistan Railways has taken a thoughtful step to facilitate the Sikh community’s annual pilgrimage. These trains are considered part of a broader effort to guarantee Sikh pilgrims a convenient, comfortable, and safe path to travel to Nankana Sahib, one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism.
The first special train will likely depart from Karachi on the 12th of November at 10:30 PM, catering to Sikh pilgrims in the southern regions of Pakistan. To further accommodate pilgrims from widespread areas, a shuttle will run from Larkana at midnight, connecting with the main train at Rohri station.
This setup allows devotees from various regions to join the service at a central point, ensuring they reach Nankana Sahib on time for their pilgrimage. For the return journey, a second special train will depart from Nankana Sahib on November 16 at 4 PM, accompanied by a shuttle from Rohri to Larkana, making the trip back smoother for passengers across multiple districts.
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In a broader effort, Pakistan Railways is actively enhancing its services, as shown by the recent special train launched on November 6 from Karachi to Raiwind. This train, with 14 economy-class coaches, was designed to accommodate pilgrims attending the annual Raiwind gathering and reflects Pakistan Railways’ commitment to supporting religious travel. This service alone is expected to generate approximately Rs. 8.5 million in revenue, supporting Pakistan Railways’ ambitious revenue target of Rs. 100 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Pakistan Railways has demonstrated significant growth in revenue over recent years. In the last fiscal year, it achieved a record income of Rs. 88 billion—a 40% increase from the previous year. This included Rs. 47 billion from passenger ticket sales, Rs. 28 billion from freight services, and Rs. 13 billion from leasing railway land and other sources. These achievements underscore the impact of service improvements and strategic planning within the organization.
CEO Amir Ali Baloch attributes this growth to better service quality and stronger public trust. He highlighted that the special Eid trains were fully booked, reflecting the positive public response to these initiatives. The success of these special trains not only supports pilgrims but also strengthens Pakistan Railways’ reputation as a reliable and accessible mode of transportation for people across the country.