Pakistan Railway has remained a symbol of progress and glory in its heydays. The Railway network of Pakistan was known as the most comfortable, safe and cheap mode of travelling to the public for years.
Unfortunately, despite great expansion of the railway network of Pakistan by British the table was turned after 1947. The dream world of railway travel started turning into a nightmare. Over the years lack of attention, poor policies, increasing expenditures and nepotism left the Railways with huge deficits running in billions of rupees.
With the passage of time tracks and locomotives were left rusting. The famous trains serving for years were no more there to take passengers to their destinations. The performance of Pakistan Railways got seriously damaged leaving the passengers to wait for hours to get the national transport.
It is hard to deny the importance of Pakistan Railway for catalyzing the economy of our country. Moreover, the general masses rely on railway system as it is affordable for them to travel long distances in train instead of planes and expensive air conditioned buses. It was the need of the hour to introduce a system for maintaining and promoting Pakistan Railways.
To rescue Pakistan Railways from sinking in the ocean of ignorance and mismanagement government has adopted the privatization policy. Syed Jamil Abbas, the owner of Syed Jamil and Company Pvt has joined hands with Pakistan Railways to run Hazara Express and Fareed Express through public-private partnership providing best facilities to passengers.
It is quite pleasant to see that government has also supported this initiative considering the betterment and welfare of a common man as top priority.
Government has ensured cooperation in every regard to achieve the goal of standard transport facilities. A clear reflection can be seen by promising10 watts additional electricity by government to Hazara Express as it had only110 watts of electricity, which was insufficient to power fans
The train will daily run between Lahore and Karachi via Kot Lakhpat, Kasur, Pakpattan, Vehari, Samsata and Sadiqabad. It will connect the devotees of Data Sahib and Abdullah Shah Ghazi with Baba Fareed shrine leading to a comfortable journey. Besides these two trains, the railways would also privatize Khushal Khan Khattak and Bolan Express to grease the wheels of progress.
Syed Jamil Abbas has advocated long-term relationship with the Chinese company to ensure quality service as China has advanced in the field of infrastructure to wonders. The trains will have Chinese ticketing system which will be totally computerised ensuring zero corruption, errors and mistakes. In addition to that Chinese engineers should be hired on Railways’ advisory
For the first time in the history of Pakistan a common man will be enabled to travel in state of the art train. The sole purpose of privatization of these trains is to provide punctual and dignified ride to the passengers. In the past it was a hard job to travel in trains due to security issues and complicated maze of procedure but now the situation is going to be the other way around.
Hazara and Fareed express have marked history by introducing a luxurious yet cheap ride for public. It will liberate the passengers from the common hurdles of long traveling. The trains will be equipped with Internet, furnished washrooms, LED, distilled mineral water, AC and top dining services.
In the age of inflation and expenses, an economical ride is no less than a blessing for the people. The fare of under discussion trains are also kept reasonable. The fare of AC Standard is Rs. 2,800 and economy class Rs. 1,330
Not only that, privatisation of Railways will also help the citizens by providing employment opportunities. There would be 400 new jobs for the people, which were once 200. The progress of Railway will allow the bread earners to get their bread and butter resulting in the reduction of unemployment.
It is astonishing to witness that Fareed Express has completed a pre-booking of 3-4 months of all the routes. The success itself speaks volumes of its significance to the people. People all over the country have provided a very positive and pleasant feedback about Hazara and Fareed express saying that it will facilitate them in business, domestic life and long journeys.
The Hazara and Fareed Express will prove a great blessing for middle and lower class. It will enable them to travel in an economical and dignified transport within reasonable prices. Hazara and Fareed express will also ease elders, disables and patients due to its comfort. The upgradation of both trains will also empower women. The ambience and security measures will enable them to travel freely.
Where construction of new resources is vital, equally important is the task of maintaining and improving what we already have. The privatization of Pakistan Railway will prove a game changer in the history of Pakistan Railway. The example of PTCL turning into a profitable organization from deficit and success story of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation strengthen our belief that Pakistan Railway will soon blossom through privatisation. Hazara and Fareed express are indeed the dream of every Pakistani. Let’s wish the trains Good luck!