Pakistan Railways to relaunch Safari Tourist Train with upgraded facilities

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is set to relaunch its Safari Tourist Train on Sunday, marking the fourth time the service has been introduced.

According to the announcement, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi will inaugurate the train service. The Safari Tourist Train will run once a week, every Sunday, and is scheduled to leave Rawalpindi Railway Station at 10:00am.

The route has been designed to cover a number of scenic and historic sites. During the journey, the train will pass through the Margalla Hills, Golra Sharif, Sangjani Tunnel, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Chablal Bridge and Haro Bridge.

Pakistan Railways said the train will also travel across Attock’s 160-year-old iron bridge dating back to the British era, as well as the Ghazi Barotha Canal and Attock Khurd station.

The service will include a stop of four to six hours at Attock Khurd, where tourists will be able to spend time in the area before the train returns to Rawalpindi later the same day.

Passengers travelling on the Safari Tourist Train will be offered several onboard facilities, including Wi-Fi, tea, biscuits, cold drinks and meals.

Pakistan Railways has also revised fares for the service. Ticket prices for economy and AC business classes have been increased by 15 to 20 per cent, with fares set between Rs2,500 and Rs4,000. Discounts for children have also been reduced.

The Safari train had earlier been launched by former railways ministers Sheikh Rashid and Azam Khan Swati. However, the service was suspended after only a few trips because of financial losses.

With the latest relaunch, Pakistan Railways is again attempting to operate the tourist service with upgraded coaches and additional facilities.