To encourage inclusive traveling, Pakistan Railways has announced a 50% discount on fares for the disabled on all express and mail trains, except on the Green Line. The disabled can avail of this concession by presenting a CNIC with a disability logo. Attendants traveling with visually impaired passengers are also entitled to a 50% fare concession.
The Ministry has installed various measures for disabled people to feature ramp accessibility at major railway stations. Exclusive reservation counters are also established at booking offices for disabled individuals. It has been conferred that persons with disability may use the executive washrooms free of charge at key stations, and it is planned to be extended to 12 such stations.
Also Read: PTI to Highlight “D-Chowk Tragedy” on National and International Platforms
Pakistan Railways runs just 98 trains with an average of 1,180 coaches a day. However, 72 percent of the 1,680 coaches have outlived their serviceable age, leaving a lot more to be done in terms of maintenance to resource these coaches properly.
Khushal Khan Khattak Express is also awaiting a revision of service academics as it was discontinued in March 2020 due to COVID-19. However, it may get a head start when coaches’ availability improves and operational cost is assessed. In the meantime, trains like Bolan Mail and Mohenjo-daro Express are still tasked with crossing through specific parts of the Larkana section and some other regions.