Pakistan Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi has said the government plans to run special trains and offer fare discounts during Eid-ul-Fitr to help people travel more easily to celebrate the festival with their families.
The announcement comes as railway stations across Pakistan usually see a sharp rise in passenger numbers during Eid holidays.
Thousands of people travel from major cities to their hometowns each year, making it one of the busiest periods for Pakistan Railways.
Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan is expected to fall around March 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Special trains planned for Eid-ul-Fitr
During an interview with Pakistan Connect, the host asked the minister about the preparations being made for Eid travel.
Responding to the question, Hanif Abbasi said special arrangements were already being planned.
He said, “Absolutely. So, on Eid-ul-Fitr, on the last Eid, I was here as a minister. So, even then, on the special instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, we drove special trains. And then, in the last few days, the three days of Eid, we also gave discounts. This time also, Inshallah, we will drive special trains.”
“And at this time, the trust of the people in the Railway is increasing. You must have seen that the number of our passengers has increased. Our freight has increased. So, seeing all these things, Inshallah, we will facilitate people on Eid, so that people can celebrate Eid with their loved ones”, he added.
Passenger’s rush expected at the railway stations
Railway stations in major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Multan typically witness heavy passenger traffic during Eid.
In the days leading up to the festival, trains often run at full capacity as people travel to smaller towns and villages to spend the holiday with family members.
Pakistan Railways usually operates additional services during this period to manage the demand and reduce pressure on regular routes.
Improvements at railway stations
The host also asked about improvements being made to railway stations and passenger facilities.
Responding to the question, the minister said several stations had already seen upgrades.
“But there are other big things in passenger facilitation.
Now, you have seen that when they come to the stations, they will get waiting areas, a clean area, CIP lounges, Wi-Fi, and you will get a clean washroom. Earlier, all these things were not there.”
He also described the condition of stations when he first assumed office by saying, “The Lahore Railway Station was deserted. When I took charge, I went there on June 30, 2025. So, there was no water in the washroom. There was no electricity.”
According to him, improvements have been made till now at several major railway stations, including Lahore Railway Station, Khanewal, Multan, Karachi, all four stations of Rawalpindi, Quetta, and Peshawar.”
Focus on busy stations first
When asked whether smaller stations were being overlooked, the minister said the current priority was to upgrade locations with the highest passenger traffic.
“The basic reason is that we have just focused on where our 70-80% footfall is, so we should address it first. After that, we go to branch routes.”
He said Pakistan Railways was also working with provincial governments to improve branch routes and revive closed lines.
Rebuilding trust to travel in trains
The minister said the number of passengers using trains has increased as public confidence in the railway system improves.
“Yes, it is ending, and it will happen. And it is happening. That is why, if you ask for train tickets, you know that there is no passenger availability.”
He added that even officials are required to travel with tickets.
“But before Ramzan, we don’t give free tickets to anyone. We don’t give it at home as well. So, I myself travel with tickets.”
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