Pakistan Express

The Pakistan Express is a daily express passenger train operated by Pakistan Railways, providing service between Karachi Cantonment and Rawalpindi, covering a distance of 1,315 kilometers across Sindh, Punjab, and the federal capital region.^[1][2] Launched in 2006, it serves as a vital link for long-distance travel in Pakistan, accommodating economy and air-conditioned passengers on its route that includes major stops such as Hyderabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad.^[1] The train operates under numbers 45 Up (from Karachi to Rawalpindi) and 46 Down (from Rawalpindi to Karachi), with the Up journey departing Karachi at 14:00 and arriving in Rawalpindi at 16:45 the following day, taking approximately 27 hours; the Down service leaves Rawalpindi at 06:00 and reaches Karachi at 08:15.^[1][3][3] It makes around 29-30 stops along the way, utilizing the Karachi–Peshawar main line and branch connections via Khanewal and Wazirabad Junctions.^[1] Available classes include Economy Seat, Economy Berth, and AC Standard, with fares for the full journey from Karachi to Rawalpindi starting at approximately 3,500 PKR for Economy Seat (as of 2025) and rising to higher rates for AC accommodations; tickets can be booked online through authorized platforms like Bookme.pk up to 10 days in advance.^[1][4][5] As part of Pakistan Railways' network, which traces its origins to 1861 with the first line between Karachi and Kotri, the Pakistan Express contributes to the country's rail infrastructure that spans over 7,791 kilometers and handles millions of passengers annually.^[6]

Overview

Service Description

The Pakistan Express is a passenger train service operated by Pakistan Railways, connecting Karachi Cantonment station in southern Pakistan to Rawalpindi in the north.^[1][2] This daily inter-city train provides essential long-distance travel options along the main railway line, serving commuters and travelers across the country.^[3] The route spans approximately 1,315 kilometers, with the journey typically taking 26 to 27 hours to complete, depending on operational conditions and stops.^[1][3] It operates on a daily basis in both directions, designated as train number 45 UP from Karachi Cantonment to Rawalpindi and 46 DN from Rawalpindi to Karachi.^[2][7] The service runs on Pakistan's standard 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge track, which is the predominant rail infrastructure in the country.^[8] As a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Pakistan Railways manages all aspects of the train's operations, including scheduling and maintenance.^[9] Launched in 2006, it has become a key component of the national rail network.^[1]

Cultural and Economic Role

The Pakistan Express serves as a crucial link in Pakistan's inter-regional connectivity, facilitating affordable long-distance travel between the southern port city of Karachi in Sindh province and Rawalpindi in Punjab province, passing through Punjab. This route supports economic mobility by enabling migrants, traders, and families to move between urban economic hubs, thereby fostering commerce in goods, labor, and remittances across these provinces. As an economy-class service designed for the working class and lower-middle-income groups, it offers a cost-effective alternative to road or air travel, with fares structured to make inter-provincial journeys accessible to a broad demographic.^[10][11] Culturally, the Pakistan Express embodies national unity, launched in 2006 as a symbol of integrated transportation infrastructure that unites diverse ethnic and regional communities along its path, from Sindhi traders to Punjabi families and northern migrants. It carries passengers reflecting Pakistan's multicultural composition, promoting social interactions that highlight the country's ethnic diversity during long journeys. Frequently portrayed in media and documentaries as an iconic rail service, it underscores the railways' enduring role in national identity and collective mobility.^[10][12] In comparison to premium trains like the Karakoram Express, which offers air-conditioned luxury and faster schedules between Karachi and Lahore, the Pakistan Express prioritizes reliability and no-frills economy seating for high-volume, budget-conscious travel, making it a staple for everyday users rather than tourists or business elites. Its operations contribute to Pakistan Railways' overall passenger transport, aiding economic cohesion without the amenities of upscale services.^[2]

History

Pre-Launch Background

Following the partition of British India in 1947, Pakistan inherited a fragmented railway network comprising approximately 8,122 kilometers of track, much of which was oriented toward north-south connectivity to link the port city of Karachi with northern industrial and agricultural centers up to Peshawar, facilitating trade, troop movements, and economic integration in a geopolitically sensitive region bordering Afghanistan and Iran.^[13] This inheritance emphasized strategic defense needs over commercial expansion, with the core Karachi–Peshawar main line—spanning about 1,729 kilometers—serving as the backbone for long-haul passenger and freight services.^[14] Early post-independence efforts focused on gauge standardization and extensions, such as converting meter-gauge lines to broad gauge by the 1950s, but the system struggled with underinvestment and operational inefficiencies amid rapid population growth.^[13] By the pre-2006 era, significant gaps persisted in rail services, particularly for direct north-south expresses between Karachi and Rawalpindi, where travelers often relied on slower mixed passenger-freight trains averaging 55–65 km/h or turned to buses and road transport for faster, albeit less reliable, alternatives due to limited dedicated express options and declining rail speeds on aging infrastructure.^[14] Passenger numbers had plummeted from over 100 million annually in the 1980s to around 65 million by the early 2000s, exacerbated by mismanagement, political interference, and competition from expanded highways, leaving affordable long-distance connectivity underserved amid rising urbanization.^[13] The Karachi–Peshawar main line, originally built during the British colonial period starting in 1861 with key sections completed between the 1880s and 1930s, remained the primary corridor but operated at reduced efficiency, with average express speeds hovering at 90 km/h on rehabilitated segments.^[14] In the early 2000s, Pakistan Railways initiated planning for enhanced passenger services as part of broader economic reforms under the Musharraf administration, aiming to recapture market share from road transport by introducing affordable, direct expresses to meet surging demand from urban migration and economic activity.^[15] This rationale drove the proposal for the Pakistan Express, designed to operate on the existing main line and address connectivity voids for lower-income travelers, culminating in its inauguration in December 2006.^[10]

Inception and Developments

The Pakistan Express was officially launched on 16 December 2006, with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurating the service at Rawalpindi railway station.^[16] This new daily train connected Rawalpindi and Karachi, aimed at replacing older, less efficient services and providing an affordable travel option primarily through economy class accommodations.^[11] Subsequent developments focused on operational enhancements. In 2017, Pakistan Railways implemented schedule adjustments across multiple trains, including the Pakistan Express, to boost efficiency and reduce delays as part of a broader timetable overhaul effective from November.^[17] The service also received upgraded rakes during this period, improving power supply and overall reliability while maintaining its economy-focused configuration initially.^[18] By the 2020s, AC Standard and Business classes were incorporated to offer more options, alongside the introduction of e-ticketing through the official RABTA app, enabling online bookings and cancellations for greater convenience.^[19] In October 2025, minor revisions to the winter timetable were introduced, including slight shifts in departure times for the Pakistan Express to enhance connectivity with other services, effective from late October, though the winter schedule was temporarily suspended in November 2025 due to operational delays and engineering issues.^[20][21] Addressing historical challenges, punctuality saw significant improvements after the 2010s, when delays from track maintenance and infrastructure issues were mitigated through rehabilitation efforts, achieving up to 90% on-time performance in key periods.^[22] No permanent route alterations occurred, though a temporary adjustment via the Lahore–Sahiwal section was implemented in the 2025 winter timetable due to flood damage, but enhanced signaling systems were rolled out in the 2020s under modernization initiatives, contributing to safer and more reliable operations along the main line.^[20][23]

Route and Operations

Route Overview

The Pakistan Express operates along the primary Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line, commencing at Karachi Cantonment and traversing the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, before diverting at Khanewal Junction onto the Khanewal–Wazirabad Branch Line to terminate at Rawalpindi. This path connects southern coastal regions with northern urban centers, utilizing established broad-gauge tracks that form part of Pakistan's main rail corridor. The total route length measures 1,315 kilometers, facilitating connectivity between key economic hubs without entering the more rugged northern terrains.^[1][24] The terrain along the route is largely flat, characterized by the expansive plains of Sindh from Karachi to Multan, where arid and semi-arid landscapes dominate, followed by the fertile farmlands of Punjab from Multan toward the northern sections. Minor elevation changes occur near river crossings, such as those over the Ravi River, but the overall gradient remains gentle at less than 6.7 per thousand, allowing for relatively straightforward rail operations. Unlike routes extending to Peshawar, this itinerary avoids significant mountainous or hilly areas, maintaining a predominantly lowland profile.^[24] Infrastructure on the route includes a mix of single- and double-track sections, with double tracks between Khanewal and Raiwind, supplemented by passing loops to manage train crossings. Electrification is partial and limited, primarily to the Lahore-Khanewal segment, making diesel locomotives the dominant power source for the majority of the journey. The route crosses the Indus River at Rohri via the historic Sukkur (Ayub) Bridge, an area susceptible to seasonal flooding from monsoon rains, which can disrupt operations due to the river's flood-prone nature.^[24][25]

Schedule and Timings

The Pakistan Express runs daily in both the UP and DN directions, providing consistent connectivity between Karachi and Rawalpindi. In the UP direction (train number 45), the service departs Karachi Cantonment at 13:30 and arrives at Rawalpindi the following day at 16:00, covering the journey in approximately 26 hours 30 minutes.^[1][3] Conversely, in the DN direction (train number 46), it departs Rawalpindi at 06:00 and arrives at Karachi Cantonment the next day at 08:50, with a total duration of about 26 hours 50 minutes.^[1][3] As of November 2025, the train operates under the summer timetable, reinstated on November 10, 2025, following the temporary suspension of the winter schedule that had taken effect on October 15, 2025, with no significant alterations during the short winter period.^[21] The average operating speed, including stops, ranges from 47 to 50 km/h, affected by factors such as track conditions. Tickets can be booked online via the official Pakistan Railways website or mobile app, or directly at railway stations, with advance reservations permitted up to 90 days prior to departure.^[26]

Stations

Major Stops

The Pakistan Express, traversing the vital Karachi–Rawalpindi corridor, includes several major intermediate stops that function as essential transfer points and regional hubs, enhancing connectivity across Sindh and Punjab. These stations not only accommodate high passenger volumes but also support economic linkages through their integration with local and branch lines.^[1][15] Hyderabad Junction serves as a primary hub in Sindh, positioned roughly three hours from the starting point in Karachi, and plays a crucial role in facilitating intercity travel for southern Pakistan's population. This busy junction links the main line to regional routes, aiding commerce and daily mobility in the province. Standard facilities such as waiting rooms, food stalls, and security checks are available to handle the steady flow of passengers.^[1][9] Rohri Junction, notable for its position at the Indus River crossing, connects directly to Sukkur and integrates the Karachi–Peshawar main line with the Rohri–Chaman branch, establishing it as a key gateway for trade and northward passenger movement. Its strategic junction status bolsters Pakistan's overall rail network by enabling efficient transfers to western routes. Amenities including refreshment areas and secure waiting zones support travelers at this critical point.^[1][27] Entering Punjab, Multan Junction marks the provincial gateway and anchors the region's industrial landscape, serving as a convergence for lines toward Quetta and beyond. As a hub for southern Punjab's economic activities, it experiences substantial passenger traffic, with facilities like food services and security protocols ensuring smooth operations.^[1][28] Urban centers like Faisalabad further highlight the route's role in serving local commuters and industrial workers, with notably high passenger volumes at these stops. For example, Faisalabad station handled over 1.43 million passengers in 2018, underscoring its significance as an industrial nexus with access to key cities. Both stations provide essential features such as waiting areas and security measures to accommodate the bustling activity.^[1][29]

Full List of Stations

The Pakistan Express operates with approximately 29-30 stops in each direction. Note: As of November 10, 2025, the winter timetable has been suspended, and the summer schedule (effective prior to October 15, 2025) is in effect. The times below are for the 2025 winter timetable; current summer times differ (e.g., 45 UP departs at 13:30 and arrives at 16:00; 46 DN arrives at 08:50), but stops remain similar.^[3][21][1]

45 UP (Karachi Cantt to Rawalpindi)

This northbound service departs Karachi Cantt daily at 13:30 and arrives at Rawalpindi the following day at 16:00, covering approximately 1,315 km over 26 hours. The full list of stops is as follows:

46 DN (Rawalpindi to Karachi Cantt)

This southbound service departs Rawalpindi daily at 06:00 and arrives at Karachi Cantt the following day at 08:50, mirroring the UP route in reverse with symmetric timings adjusted for direction. The full list of stops is as follows:

Equipment and Amenities

Passenger Classes

The Pakistan Express primarily operates with Economy Class accommodations, which form the bulk of its seating options to accommodate high volumes of passengers on this long-distance route. Economy Class features open-plan seating in a 3+3 arrangement across benches, with options for seats or berths for overnight travel, and includes basic fans, overhead lights, and windows for ventilation. Gender-segregated sections are available within Economy coaches to ensure passenger comfort and cultural appropriateness. Amenities in this class are minimal, relying on onboard vendors for catering such as tea, snacks, and bottled water, with no dedicated dining car or complimentary meals provided.^[30][31] AC Standard and AC Business classes are offered on a limited basis due to operational cost considerations, a shift that intensified in the 2010s amid Pakistan Railways' financial challenges and a focus on maximizing passenger throughput over premium services. AC Standard provides air-conditioned seating in a 2+3 configuration with reclining seats, ceiling fans for backup cooling, and slightly enhanced space compared to Economy, while AC Business offers a more upscale 2+2 reclining seat layout with better legroom and priority boarding. These higher classes include access to better-maintained restrooms and occasional vendor services, but sleeping berths are available only in Economy class, distinguishing the AC classes from dedicated sleeper options. Historically, multi-class configurations were more robust at launch, but post-2010 adjustments phased out some AC coaches to prioritize Economy for affordability and volume.^[32][31] The train typically comprises 17 to 20 coaches, predominantly Economy, enabling a total passenger capacity of around 1,000 to 1,200 individuals, though actual loads vary based on demand and seasonal factors. For example, each Economy coach accommodates over 100 passengers in bench seating or berth mode. As of November 2025, fares for the full Karachi to Rawalpindi journey (approximately 1,315 km) stand at roughly PKR 4,000 for an Economy seat, PKR 4,100 for an Economy berth, and PKR 9,300 for AC Business, with AC Standard available at intermediate rates; these reflect adjustments for inflation and operational costs. These rates underscore the train's emphasis on accessible travel for the majority, with Economy tickets comprising the vast majority of bookings.^[33][1]

Rolling Stock and Locomotives

The Pakistan Express is composed of 17 to 20 coaches, comprising both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned economy variants, with many featuring modern designs imported from China or manufactured locally using transferred Chinese technology as of 2025. These steel-bodied coaches measure 20 to 25 meters in length and are designed for standard gauge tracks.^[34][35] The train is powered by diesel-electric locomotives, primarily models from General Electric (GE), rated at 4,000 to 4,500 horsepower, which are attached at the originating station in Karachi and occasionally swapped at key junctions such as Multan to accommodate route demands.^[36][37][38] Maintenance for the rolling stock and locomotives occurs at dedicated facilities in Karachi and Rawalpindi, where the fleet's average age ranges from 20 to 30 years; refurbishment efforts in 2025 have targeted improvements to braking systems and couplers to enhance reliability.^[39][38][40] Technically, the train achieves a maximum speed of 100 km/h, with typical operational speeds of 60 to 80 km/h due to track conditions and signaling; the entire route remains unelectrified, relying solely on diesel traction.^[41]

Safety and Future

Notable Incidents

The Pakistan Express has experienced several disruptions due to broader rail safety issues on its route, though no major collisions or derailments directly involving the train have resulted in fatalities as of November 2025. In the aftermath of the June 7, 2021, Ghotki rail crash—where the Millat Express derailed and was subsequently hit by the Sir Syed Express, killing 65 people—the Pakistan Express's departure from Karachi was cancelled on June 8, leading to minor delays and schedule adjustments across the network; services resumed at reduced speeds of 10 km/h in the affected Sindh section.^[42] Flooding from monsoons has repeatedly caused temporary suspensions of the Pakistan Express, particularly in Sindh province. During the severe 2022 floods, operations were halted for two days on August 22-23, with tracks submerged between key stations like Hyderabad and Nawabshah, prompting rerouting of passengers via buses and full refunds for affected tickets; similar one- to two-day suspensions occurred in 2023 due to inundated lines in the same region, though no injuries were reported directly linked to these events.^[43][44] In 2025, the train encountered two minor derailments without casualties. On June 1, the 45-Up Pakistan Express derailed near Mubarakpur station in Bahawalpur, Punjab, suspending rail traffic for several hours while the two affected bogies were re-railed; passengers were evacuated safely and transported by road to continue their journey. Later that month, on June 11, another bogie derailed during evening operations from Karachi, again with no injuries but causing brief delays as repair crews cleared the line. These incidents highlighted ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities, leading to speed restrictions on the route.^[45][46][47] Broader route incidents have indirectly impacted the Pakistan Express through cascading delays. The August 17, 2025, derailment of the Awam Express near Lodhran in Punjab—killing one passenger and injuring 21 when four bogies left the tracks—occurred on a shared section; emergency evacuations were conducted at the site, with medical aid provided to the injured. Overall, these events underscore Pakistan Railways' challenges with track maintenance and weather resilience, though the Pakistan Express has maintained a record free of direct fatalities.^[48][49]

Upgrades and Prospects

In 2025, Pakistan Railways expanded its digital ticketing infrastructure by installing point-of-sale (POS) systems at 348 stations nationwide, enabling debit and credit card payments for tickets and services to enhance transparency and reduce fraud.^[50] This initiative, launched in July, supports trains like the Pakistan Express by streamlining passenger access and boosting revenue through modern financial transactions. Additionally, partial refurbishments of passenger coaches have been undertaken, incorporating enhanced safety features and improved amenities such as better heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems under a broader rehabilitation program.^[51] Track signaling improvements in Punjab sections, including computerized interlocking at key junctions like Landhi and Badal Nala, have also progressed to improve operational efficiency and safety on routes serving the Pakistan Express.^[52] Ongoing projects include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related enhancements to the Main Line-1 (ML-1), a 1,872 km Karachi-Peshawar upgrade secured with $7 billion in financing from a consortium involving China, the Asian Development Bank, and others in September 2025.^[53] This initiative focuses on track dualization, bridge reconstruction, and electrification to support higher speeds, with a four-year action plan (2025-2029) aimed at modernizing 80% of passenger and 90% freight traffic.^[54] Fleet renewal efforts encompass procuring 230 modern passenger coaches and 820 capacity wagons under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with 46 coaches already rehabilitated to increase train speeds and reliability; as of November 2025, plans were announced to locally manufacture 295 high-capacity wagons with Chinese assistance by March 2026.^[55][56] Prospects for the Pakistan Express involve integration with high-speed corridors, such as the planned Karachi-Lahore bullet train operating at 250 km/h, which could reduce the current 20-hour journey to 5 hours by 2030 through CPEC-backed upgrades.^[52] Potential reintroduction of air-conditioned (AC) classes is under consideration for premium services if funding materializes, alongside safety technologies like automatic train control and digital push-to-talk networks for better coordination.^[52] However, challenges including budget constraints and security concerns in border areas may delay timelines, as evidenced by historical funding shortfalls and project stalls despite recent agreements.^[57]