Schedule changes aim to improve efficiency, accommodate ongoing infrastructure challenges
Pakistan Railways has introduced a revised train schedule for the winter season, which came into effect on Thursday. The updated timetable includes minor changes to the departure timings of 16 trains, the restoration of previously suspended services, and adjustments to routes affected by recent flooding.
The schedule changes are designed to improve operational efficiency while accommodating ongoing infrastructure challenges. Four previously suspended trains have been reintroduced as part of the new schedule, and nine trains that were previously given temporary halts will now have regular stops at designated stations.
Among the changes, the Allama Iqbal Express will now depart from Sialkot at 7:30 am instead of its earlier time of 7:00 am. The Awam Express will leave Karachi at 8:00 am instead of 7:30 am.
The Narowal Passenger Train’s departure has been revised to 7:25 am from 7:00 am, while the Faiz Ahmad Faiz Passenger Train will now leave Narowal at 5:00 am, earlier than its previous 5:30 am schedule. The Shalimar Express is now scheduled to depart from Lahore at 7:10 am instead of 7:30 am.
Read: Railways outsourcing plan goes off rail
Nine trains have been granted permanent stops in place of their temporary ones. These include Rehman Baba Express, Karachi Express, Shalimar Express, Jaffar Express, Pak Business Express, Pakpattan Express, Tezgam, and Millat Express.
Flood-related damage to railway tracks has prompted further adjustments, particularly for trains departing from or arriving in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and other major cities. The Karakoram Express, operating as 42-Down, will depart from Lahore at its scheduled time of 3:00 pm and will travel via Sahiwal.
The Pak Business Express (34-Down) will leave Lahore at 4:30 pm as per schedule. However, the Karachi Express (16-Down) will depart 45 minutes later than usual, now scheduled for 6:45 pm instead of 6:00 om. The Green Line (6-Down) to Karachi will depart from Lahore at 8:50 pm as per its regular timing. Passengers of the Shah Hussain Express (44-Down) will be accommodated in the Green Line today, and are requested to arrive one hour before its departure to ensure smooth boarding.
Read More: US, Pakistan explore rail connectivity
Several other trains will also be rerouted due to flood-damaged sections. The Pakistan Express (46-Down) to Karachi and the Pakistan Express (45-Up) from Karachi will travel via the Lahore–Sahiwal section. The Millat Express (18-Down), departing from Faisalabad at 2:00 pm, will route through Chak Jhumra, Sangla Hill, and Lahore–Sahiwal. The Rehman Baba Express (48-Down) to Karachi and its return service (47-Up) will also follow the Lahore–Sahiwal route. The Millat Express (17-Up), arriving from Karachi, will proceed via Sahiwal–Lahore, Sangla Hill, Chak Jhumra, and Faisalabad.
All other trains operating to Karachi, Rawalpindi, and other cities are running according to their scheduled timings.
To assist travelers, Passenger Facilitation Staff will remain available at the station around the clock, following the instructions of Divisional Superintendent Railways Lahore, Inamullah. Passengers seeking further guidance or updates are advised to contact the Railway Inquiry numbers at 042-117 or 042-99070011
