LAHORE: The Pakistan Railways’ second ‘high-profile’ train started running on Tuesday, six months or so after the launch of its flagship Green Line Express with value-added services.

“With a capacity of 968 economy class and 162 AC Business passengers, Karakoram Express will now be covering the distance between Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours approximately,” Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafique told newsmen after inaugurating the train at a ceremony at Lahore station.

Having public address system, all the coaches of 41-Up/42-Down Karakoram have been refurbished and the toilets equipped with Muslim shower. The AC Business coaches have complimentary Wifi, LEDs and mineral water dispenser, while economy class coaches have private cabins.

Janitorial services in the train have been outsourced to a private party, said the minister.

However, complimentary catering and bedding in the Green Line Express would be available on payment in Karakoram Express the fares of which have also been nominally increased. “Now a seat in AC Business would cost Rs4,490 and that of economy class Rs1,590 (berth) and Rs1,490 (seat). Previously, the fares were Rs4,410 (AC Business), Rs1,590 (economy berth) and Rs1,490 (economy seat).

“Karakoram Express has been upgraded as part of our commitment to introduce another two trains according to the standards of Green Line Express running between the federal and Sindh capitals. Business Express and Karachi Express would be upgraded, their composition would also be changed and their fares would be the same within the ongoing fiscal year,” said Mr Rafique.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2015