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Pak Business Express
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| Overview | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service type | Inter-city rail | ||||
| Status | Operating | ||||
| First service | 2012 | ||||
| Current operator | Pakistan Railways | ||||
| Former operator | Four Brothers Private Limited | ||||
| Website | https://www.pakrail.gov.pk/ | ||||
| Route | |||||
| Termini | Karachi Cantonment Lahore Junction | ||||
| Distance travelled | 1,214 kilometres (754 mi) | ||||
| Average journey time | 19 hours, 30 minutes | ||||
| Service frequency | Daily each way | ||||
| Train numbers | 303UP (Karachi→Lahore) 304DN (Lahore→Karachi) | ||||
| Line used | Karachi–Peshawar Line | ||||
| On-board services | |||||
| Classes | Economy Class AC Standard AC Business | ||||
| Sleeping arrangements | Available | ||||
| Catering facilities | Available | ||||
| Technical | |||||
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) | ||||
| Track owner | Pakistan Railways | ||||
| |||||
The Pak Business Express (Urdu: پاک کاروبار اکسپريس ), often abbreviated as Business Express, is a daily express train service between in Pakistan between the cities of Karachi and Lahore, which is one of the busiest routes in the country.[1] It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on 4 January 2012.[2][3][4][5]
The total traveling time of the route was 19 hours 30 minutes, on a total traveling distance of 1,214 kilometres (754 mi).[6]
History
[edit]The Pak Business Express was the brainchild of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Initially, Pakistan Railways started it with the collaboration of a private company Four Brothers Private Limited. It was the first public–private partnership model in railways services in Pakistan.[7]
The service was launched when Pakistan Railways was facing financial issues owing to a host of challenges. These included the deterioration of infrastructure, the inability to purchase fuel from Pakistan State Oil due to exhausting its credit limit, liquidity constraints that led to delays in payment of its employees' salaries and pensions, and the destruction of railway facilities by angry mobs in 2007.[8]
According to the contract between the two parties, the Four Brothers Group had to pay Rs. 3.1 million to Pakistan Railways for each trip between Lahore and Karachi.[8] The private company provided modern facilities like LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, Internet, water dispensers, and lavish food on trains for the first time in Pakistan.[9]
Having originally been a luxury rail service, the Pak Business Express experienced low ridership numbers during its initial weeks. Of the 486 seats available, only about 150 used to be occupied, which barely covered the operational costs. This was attributed to the availability of cheaper and more frequent alternate modes of transport between the two cities. This lack of demand forced Four Brothers to introduce an economy class within a few weeks of its launch with a lower fare.[8]
However, due to a financial dispute on 29 October 2015, Pakistan Railways ended its joint venture with Four Brothers Private Limited and took control of Business Express. Now, this train is running under the management of Pakistan Railways.[10][11]
Route
[edit]Station stops
[edit]Equipment
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Lahore to Karachi train latest ticket price November 2023". Pakistan Observer. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "Pakistan serves up first-class rail luxury". The Express Tribune. Agence France-Presse. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Aboard the Pakistan Business Express". Dawn. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Pakistan serves up first-class rail luxury". Dawn. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "PM inaugurates first Business Express | Pakistan Today". Pakistan Today. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Pak Business Express. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
- ^ Haq, Shahram (29 May 2015). "Competition forces Pak Business Express to bring new features". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Haider, Murtaza (8 February 2012). "Four brothers and a train". Dawn. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "Business Express to offer Wi-Fi service from tomorrow". Daily Times. 4 March 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Sumra, Anwer (30 January 2013). "Pak Railways ready to take over Business Express". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Siddiqui, Zaheer Mahmood (29 October 2015). "PR takes control of Business Express". Dawn. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Pak Business Express Time Table". pakinformation.com. April 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
- ^ "PR adds coaches of two more classes in Business Train". Samaa TV. 9 December 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Plan Journey". Pakistan Railways. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
External links
[edit]Pak Business Express
View on GrokipediaOverview and Operations
Service Profile
The Pak Business Express is a daily inter-city express train operated by Pakistan Railways, serving as a premium connectivity option on the Karachi–Peshawar Line. It provides bidirectional service between Karachi Cantonment and Lahore Junction, facilitating efficient travel between two of Pakistan's primary economic centers.[6][4] The train operates under numbers 33UP for the Karachi to Lahore direction and 34DN for the return journey from Lahore to Karachi. Covering a total distance of 1,214 km (754 mi), the service maintains an average journey time of approximately 18.5 hours, accommodating both daytime and overnight segments to optimize passenger schedules.[7][8][1][4] Designed as a business-oriented service, the Pak Business Express emphasizes enhanced comfort for professionals, corporate travelers, and frequent commuters along this vital corridor. Its initial configuration prioritized AC business class accommodations to appeal to business passengers seeking reliable and upscale rail travel between Pakistan's major urban hubs.[1][4]Classes and Amenities
The Pak Business Express operates with three passenger classes: AC Business, AC Standard, and Economy, designed to accommodate varying levels of comfort and affordability on its Lahore-Karachi route.[9] The AC Business class serves as the premium option, featuring air-conditioned coaches with spacious, ergonomically designed seating for enhanced comfort during the journey. AC Standard provides air-conditioned economy-plus seating, while the Economy class offers basic air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned options for budget-conscious travelers.[1] Amenities in the AC Business class include reclining seats with ample legroom, individual reading lights, and power outlets at each seat, along with priority boarding to facilitate a seamless travel experience.[10] All classes benefit from onboard catering services, featuring meals inspired by Pakistani cuisine such as traditional dishes served in a dedicated dining car, with upgraded options available for business class passengers.[11] Following the 2025 upgrade, free high-speed Wi-Fi became available throughout the train, enhancing connectivity for work and entertainment.[12] Additional features emphasize passenger convenience, including air-conditioned lounges at major stations like Lahore and Karachi for waiting travelers, and provisions for accessibility to accommodate passengers with disabilities.[3] Tickets can be booked digitally through the official Pakistan Railways online platform or authorized partners, with fares as of November 2025 ranging from approximately PKR 1,750–1,850 for Economy seats/berths, PKR 3,600 for AC Lower, and PKR 5,250 for AC Standard on the full route; AC Business fares are positioned higher to reflect premium amenities, typically around PKR 5,000–9,000 depending on demand and adjustments.[4]History
Inception and Launch
The inception of the Pak Business Express was rooted in Pakistan Railways' broader modernization initiatives during the early 2010s, a period marked by significant financial losses and declining ridership due to competition from road and air transport, as well as internal mismanagement.[13] By 2010, the railway system was incurring annual losses of approximately Rs9 billion, prompting efforts to introduce premium services to revitalize passenger traffic and improve operational efficiency.[13] Launched as Pakistan's first business-oriented express train, the service aimed to offer a modern, efficient alternative to road and air travel for business professionals traveling between Karachi and Lahore, the country's two largest economic hubs.[14] It operated under a pioneering public-private partnership (PPP) model, with Four Brothers Private Limited responsible for operations, maintenance, and commercial aspects, while Pakistan Railways provided the infrastructure and locomotives.[15] This collaboration was intended to leverage private sector expertise to enhance service quality without straining public finances. The train was inaugurated on February 3, 2012, by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at Lahore Railway Station, in the presence of federal officials including Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour.[15] Marketed as Pakistan's "first-class rail luxury," it emphasized speed—reducing the journey time to 18 hours—and superior comfort features like air-conditioned business-class coaches with Wi-Fi, onboard medical staff, and complimentary meals to attract passengers back to rail travel.[14] The inaugural down train departed Lahore at 3:30 p.m., arriving in Karachi the following day, with the up service from Karachi commencing at the same time on a daily basis; the initial setup included nine business-class coaches accommodating over 300 passengers.[16][15]Public-Private Partnership and Takeover
The Pak Business Express operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement signed on February 4, 2011, between Pakistan Railways and M/s Four Brothers International (Pvt) Limited, under which the private entity invested Rs255 million in coaches and operational enhancements for the Lahore-Karachi route while sharing revenues with Pakistan Railways on an 88:12 basis favoring the public operator.[17][18] During the operational period from 2012 to 2015, private management initially enhanced service quality through modern amenities and dedicated staffing, but persistent challenges emerged, including high fares that resulted in occupancy rates dropping to around 50 percent within months of launch.[19][20] To counter low demand, Four Brothers introduced an economy class shortly after the train's inception, which helped boost occupancy to approximately 70 percent by early 2012.[20] Financial disputes intensified over revenue sharing obligations, escalating maintenance costs, and unpaid subsidies, with Four Brothers accumulating arrears exceeding Rs2.2 billion to Pakistan Railways by mid-2015, prompting repeated threats of service suspension and failed negotiations.[21][22] These conflicts culminated in the contract's termination due to the private operator's inability to meet daily payment commitments of Rs4 million.[21][23] On October 29, 2015, Pakistan Railways assumed full operational and commercial control of the Pak Business Express to prevent an imminent service halt amid the ongoing financial impasse.[21] In the immediate aftermath, government oversight stabilized operations by integrating the train into the public network, including adjustments such as additional stoppages to improve accessibility and ridership.[24] This transition highlighted broader challenges in Pakistan's transport sector PPPs, including revenue viability, equitable cost allocation, and effective dispute mechanisms, ultimately influencing more cautious approaches to future rail outsourcing initiatives.[22][25]Recent Upgrades
In 2025, the upgrades to the Pak Business Express were announced as part of Pakistan Railways' broader modernization initiatives under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which includes the procurement of 230 new passenger coaches to enhance train speeds and passenger comfort across the network.[26] These efforts aim to revitalize the railway system amid ongoing reforms, with the Pak Business Express selected as a flagship project to demonstrate improved service quality.[27] The upgraded train was inaugurated on July 29, 2025, by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Lahore Railway Station, marking a significant step in the government's push for rail infrastructure renewal.[27] The ceremony highlighted the deployment of 28 refurbished, digitally equipped coaches sourced from China for the service.[28] Key enhancements include the introduction of European-style interiors with improved air conditioning systems, designed to provide elite-class amenities for all passengers while elevating overall travel comfort.[29] Additionally, digital payment systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals, were rolled out at over 300 railway stations to facilitate card-based transactions, reducing queues and enhancing financial transparency.[29] New features incorporated into the upgraded Pak Business Express encompass complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the coaches and a state-of-the-art dining car offering international-standard meal services.[11] These upgrades maintain a journey time of approximately 18.5 hours between Lahore and Karachi.[29] During the inauguration, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the train's role in driving economic revival through enhanced connectivity, vowing further investments including high-speed rail integrations as part of initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II.[27] On August 3, 2025, an economy-class coach derailed in the Karachi railway yard, with no injuries reported. The upgrades have also faced media criticism alleging that most coaches are refurbished rather than new, with claims of only four truly new coaches and a lack of dedicated business-class sections.[30][31] The revitalization has positioned the Pak Business Express as a flagship for Pakistan's rail future, with projections for boosted ridership due to the modernized facilities and broader PSDP-backed expansions.[27] Initial deployment includes coaches from earlier procurements, contributing to increased capacity and service reliability.[29]Route and Schedule
Route Description
The Pak Business Express operates along the Karachi–Peshawar Main Line (ML-1), a critical artery of Pakistan Railways that spans Sindh and Punjab provinces, connecting the southern port city of Karachi to the cultural and industrial hub of Lahore. This route forms part of the broader 1,733 km ML-1 corridor, with the Karachi-Lahore segment covering approximately 1,215 km, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods between Pakistan's two largest urban centers and economic powerhouses.[32][33] The journey begins in southern Sindh, traversing from Karachi through Hyderabad and into the Indus River valley, characterized by flat alluvial plains and expansive agricultural fields irrigated by a network of canals. As the line progresses northward, it crosses arid desert terrains in upper Sindh near Rohri, where sparse vegetation and sandy expanses dominate the landscape, before entering Punjab via Multan, shifting into more fertile plains dotted with cotton fields, wheat crops, and the intricate web of the Punjab irrigation system. The final stretch into central Punjab features densely populated urban corridors around Lahore, blending modern infrastructure with historic settlements along the Ravi River. Key segments include roughly 900 km from Karachi to Multan, navigating the predominantly flat Sindh terrain, and about 315 km from Multan to Lahore, through Punjab's canal-rich lowlands.[34] This corridor holds strategic importance as Pakistan's primary north-south rail link, paralleling the ancient Grand Trunk Road and enabling trade, commerce, and connectivity between southern ports and northern markets, thereby supporting the nation's economic lifeline. The terrain, while mostly level with elevations rarely exceeding 200 meters, presents challenges such as seasonal flooding in Sindh's low-lying areas, where heavy monsoons can inundate tracks and disrupt services, as seen in widespread damage during major flood events.[35][36][37] The line utilizes a broad gauge of 1,676 mm, standard for Pakistan's main network, and remains powered by diesel locomotives, though upgrades under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) include plans for electrification to enhance speed and efficiency along this vital route.[34][32]Timetable and Duration
The Pak Business Express operates on a daily schedule in both directions between Karachi Cantt and Lahore Jn. In the up direction (303UP), the train departs Karachi Cantt at 16:00 and arrives at Lahore Jn at 10:30 the following day. In the down direction (304DN), it departs Lahore Jn at 15:30 and arrives at Karachi Cantt at 09:00 the following day. As of November 2025, the departure from Lahore has been adjusted to 17:45.[1][38] The service runs every day, subject to occasional disruptions from maintenance activities or adverse weather conditions. The average journey duration is about 18.5 hours per direction, though this can vary based on factors such as track conditions, signal system reliability, and the train's priority status relative to freight services on shared lines.[39][40] Following upgrades in 2025, including modernized coaches and track enhancements, the duration has been optimized to approximately 18 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 45 minutes, improving overall efficiency.[41] Advance reservations are mandatory for all passengers, typically booked through official channels like the Pakistan Railways website or authorized agents. Historically, the train has experienced average delays of 1–2 hours, primarily due to operational constraints, but these have been mitigated by recent signaling system improvements implemented in 2025.[42][40]Station Stops
Major Stops
The Pak Business Express operates along the main line connecting Karachi and Lahore, making 11 stops in the Karachi to Lahore direction that emphasize urban centers, railway junctions, and logistical hubs to accommodate passenger boarding, connections to regional lines, and essential operational requirements like refueling. These halts are chosen based on high demand from business travelers and local populations, as well as their strategic importance in linking economic corridors across Sindh and Punjab provinces.[1][4] The primary stops, in sequence from Karachi to Lahore, include:- Karachi Cantt: The southern terminus and a major urban gateway.
- Hyderabad Jn: A key junction serving central Sindh's industrial and agricultural heartland.
- Nawabshah Jn: An intermediate halt supporting rural-urban connectivity in northern Sindh.
- Rohri Jn: A critical junction providing access to northern Sindh and branch lines toward Sukkur and beyond, enhancing regional integration.[43]
- Rahim Yar Khan: A stop catering to the cotton-rich southern Punjab border area.
- Bahawalpur: An urban center with historical and commercial significance in southern Punjab.
- Khanewal Jn: A vital junction for connections to intermediate Punjab lines and refueling operations.
- Sahiwal: An urban stop linking to eastern Punjab districts.
- Raiwind: A junction aiding suburban and rural access near Lahore.
- Kot Lakhpat: A preliminary halt before the northern terminus.
- Lahore Jn: The final destination and Pakistan's northern rail hub.
