Railways to keep train fares unchanged despite rising fuel costs: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government is avoiding placing additional financial burden on the public in a meeting with Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi in Islamabad on Monday, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The statement said the two discussed the overall performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms, and future projects, with the minister briefing the prime minister on operational matters. Abbasi stated that “in view of the situation in the Gulf and to facilitate the public, no increase is being made in fares of all operational trains across the country”. PM Shehbaz said that “in the current economic conditions, the government is avoiding placing an additional burden on the public” and stressed that efforts should focus on improving the railway system to increase revenue. He further directed that “reform measures be accelerated to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe and reliable transport system”. Reaffirming the government’s priorities, the prime minister said it “remains committed to the public welfare agenda” and aims to improve institutional performance to put the country on a path of development, according to the statement. He further instructed the railways minister to “ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects” and to use all available resources to provide “better, safer and affordable travel facilities to the public”, it added. Earlier, PM Shehbaz directed Pakistan Railways to freeze fares despite rising diesel costs. The government is to shoulder an additional Rs6 billion until June 30 to keep travel affordable and freight charges stable. According to a Pakistan Railways spokesperson, the government chose to absorb the impact of rising diesel prices itself "after a 30 per cent fare hike was deemed unavoidable to meet operational expenses". Last week, the government further increased petrol prices by Rs137 per litre to a record-high of Rs458.4. It was the second major increase in fuel prices in less than a month. However, on Friday, PM Shehbaz announced a Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy on petrol. It was the second major increase in the fuel prices in less than a month after PM Shehbaz increased the diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre last month. The cumulative increase in the petrol price within a month stands at 63%, and that of the high-speed diesel at 75%.