Train fares in Pakistan reduced by up to 57 percent

Passengers travelling in air-conditioned sleeper and business classes in all trains in Pakistan will now pay 17 to 57 percent less than the prevailing fares, a media report said Sunday.

The fares will initially be applicable for three months, the Dawn reported.

Minimum fares of branch-line trains have been decreased to Rs.20 from the present Rs.35 per passenger per journey, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq said in Lahore Saturday.

The minister said the daily deficit of the railways has come down to around Rs.90 million from Rs.100 million a month ago.

Rafiq said departure and arrival time of trains would be improved by up to 85 percent by the end of the year.

"Railways is yet to overcome shortage of locomotives and other rolling stock -- coaches and wagons. We spend $50 for the daily repair and maintenance of a locomotive while $500 is used for the purpose the world over," he said.