Pakistan Railways set to resume Shalimar Express with 14% discount

The revised route comes after floodwaters damaged railway bridges at Qila Sattar Shah and Masan Kallar. Because of the damage, the Faisalabad route remains closed.

The Shalimar Express will make five additional stops under the new route. These include Kot Lakhpat, Raiwind, Okara, Sahiwal and Sadiqabad.

Passengers to get cheaper fares

Pakistan Railways has announced a 14% discount across all classes of the train. The move is expected to make travel easier and more affordable for passengers.

The service will benefit people travelling between Lahore, central Punjab and Karachi. The additional stops will also give passengers more options to board and leave the train.

The route change is mainly linked to the damaged railway bridges. It allows Pakistan Railways to keep the Shalimar Express running while repair work affects the Faisalabad route.

Why the route was changed

The Shalimar Express had previously operated through Sahiwal after its route was restored in 2023. However, the train was later moved back to the Faisalabad route because of low passenger numbers and financial losses.

The latest decision brings the Sahiwal route back into focus. It also provides Pakistan Railways with a way to maintain the Lahore-Karachi connection during the disruption.

The 14% discount could help attract more passengers to the Shalimar Express. Lower fares may also support the railway service at a time when passenger numbers are an important concern.

The revised route gives passengers more stops and keeps the train operational despite damaged bridges. Its long-term success will likely depend on passenger demand and the performance of the service on the new route.

Also read: Pakistan Railways to resume Babu and Sandal Express services

Also read: Pakistan Railways begins major restoration of historic stations