Pakistan Railways has put an upgraded 20-coach Karakoram Express into service on the Lahore–Karachi corridor, aiming to give passengers more comfortable options on one of the country’s busiest long-distance routes. The train was inaugurated at Lahore Railway Station by Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Hafeezullah.
How the new service will run
A railway spokesperson said the train will run under a private-sector arrangement, with Pakistan Railways handing over commercial management to private operators as part of a wider push to lift service standards. Departures are scheduled daily from both Lahore and Karachi at 3pm. The full trip is expected to take about 19 hours.
Along the way, the Karakoram Express is due to stop at Raiwind, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Landhi and Drigh Road. That stop list covers major Punjab and Sindh cities between the two terminals, so travellers from intermediate stations can board without going all the way to Lahore or Karachi first.
Classes and onboard facilities
The upgraded train offers four travel classes: AC Sleeper, AC Business, AC Standard and Economy. Passengers are to get mineral water, freshly prepared meals, bedding, mobile charging points, Wi-Fi and an infotainment system. Travellers in AC Sleeper and AC Business will also receive special complimentary services, according to the spokesperson.
Pakistan Railways framed the private management handover as a way to improve passenger convenience and bring more consistent onboard standards. Officials have not, in the available details, published new fare tables or seating capacities for each class.
What passengers should know next
For now, the practical picture is clear: a refurbished 20-coach Karakoram Express linking Lahore and Karachi every day, leaving at 3pm from each end, with air-conditioned and economy options and a package of amenities that includes connectivity and meals. Anyone planning a trip should confirm booking windows, exact coach numbers and any class-wise complimentary extras through official Pakistan Railways channels before travel, since those operational details can change after a launch.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan Railways ne Lahore se Karachi ke liye upgraded Karakoram Express shuru ki hai. Ye 20 coaches wali train roz dono shehron se 3 baje chalegi aur roughly 19 ghanton mein pahunchegi. Wi-Fi, khana, bedding aur charging jaisi sahulaten milengi. Private sector iski commercial management sambhal raha hai taake service behtar ho.
