The Sir Syed Express, a new passenger train service connecting Rawalpindi to Karachi, was inaugurated today. The first train departed from Rawalpindi and is expected to reach Karachi in approximately 24 hours.
The inauguration ceremony was led by DS Railway, Nooruddin Dawar. The Sir Syed Express, which boasts 16 coaches, will journey from Rawalpindi through Jhelum, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Sangla Hill, Faisalabad, Khanewal, Rohri, and Hyderabad before arriving in Karachi.
Operated under a public-private partnership model, the train offers a range of amenities. It features one AC sleeper coach, three AC business coaches, and one AC standard coach, along with eight economy coaches and a dining car. The private company responsible for operating the train will provide food services, and special measures have been implemented to ensure water supply and cleanliness onboard.
Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi and purchase tickets online through mobile applications. The Sir Syed Express is anticipated to generate an annual revenue of approximately 3 billion rupees for Pakistan Railways.
CEO Railways, Aamir Baloch, highlighted that this public-private partnership model aims to foster self-reliance and boost revenue. He also announced plans to launch ten more trains under this model in the coming month.
