For years, Pakistan Railways was known for delayed schedules, uncomfortable seats, and untidy coaches. Many travelers preferred buses or flights, believing trains were outdated and unreliable. But lately, a new wave of stories from passengers suggests that things might finally be changing — and some even say traveling by train now feels a bit like flying.
A Journey Full of Surprises
When Muhammad Adeel boarded the train from Rawalpindi to Lahore, he expected the same old experience — noise, delays, and poor service. Instead, he found something completely different. The train was spotless, freshly painted, and surprisingly comfortable. Inside, attendants in uniform helped passengers find their seats, and free meals were served neatly packed in boxes.
“I actually thought I was on a plane for a moment,” Adeel joked, smiling as he recalled his journey. The train departed on time, ran smoothly, and reached Lahore without any issues. The surprise didn’t end there — the station itself was clean, well-lit, and organized, with new waiting areas that looked more like airport lounges than the old railway halls.
A New Era for Pakistan Railways
Pakistan Railways has long faced criticism for being slow to modernize. But in recent months, things appear to be shifting. According to officials, this change is not accidental — it’s part of a focused effort to rebuild the railway’s reputation and regain the trust of travelers.
A senior spokesperson shared that the Railway Minister himself now travels by train to personally inspect the conditions and gather passenger feedback. “This hands-on approach has made a big difference,” the spokesperson said. “When the leadership experiences the problems firsthand, solutions come faster.”
Cleaner Coaches, Better Food, Happier Passengers
One of the biggest improvements passengers notice is cleanliness. New contracts with private cleaning companies have transformed how trains and stations are maintained. The food service has also been upgraded, with meals checked regularly by provincial food authorities to meet hygiene standards.
Free meals and tea are now offered on selected routes — a gesture that has pleasantly surprised many. Modern facilities like air-conditioned waiting rooms, improved restrooms, and digital ticketing systems have also been introduced at major stations such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The Road — or Rail — Ahead
While these upgrades sound impressive, they are not yet available everywhere. The best services are currently seen on popular routes like Rawalpindi–Lahore and Karachi–Hyderabad. In less-traveled regions, such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, passengers still deal with older trains, limited services, and unpredictable schedules.
Railway officials admit this gap exists but say it’s mainly due to budget limits. Routes with higher passenger numbers get priority for upgrades, but plans are underway to extend improvements nationwide in the coming years.
To cover the cost of these upgrades, ticket prices on certain routes have increased slightly. However, passengers say the better service, cleaner environment, and free food make it worth the extra money.
What Passengers Think
Many travelers who had stopped using trains are now reconsidering. “It’s not perfect yet,” says Adeel, “but it’s a huge step forward. I never thought I’d say this, but I actually enjoyed the ride.”
Social media is full of similar feedback — pictures of clean cabins, stories of helpful staff, and videos comparing the new trains to budget airlines. While some remain skeptical, most agree that Pakistan Railways has made visible progress.
Final Thoughts
The question now is whether these improvements are lasting or just temporary hype. So far, the results are promising: cleaner trains, better food, and punctual service are giving Pakistan Railways a much-needed image boost.
If the same attention is given to every route — not just the popular ones — the railway could once again become the backbone of affordable and comfortable travel across the country. For now, at least, passengers are beginning to believe that Pakistan Railways might finally be back on track.