PR refunds Rs380m to passengers due to late departure of trains

ISLAMABAD (APP): Pakistan Railways (PR) has refunded an amount of Rs380 million to passengers within three years due to late start of trains from the originating stations.

“Rs33 million have been refunded in 2023, Rs269 million in 2022 and 78 million in 2021 to facilitate the passengers following their complaints regarding undue delay in trains arrival/departure,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP, on Monday.

He said Pakistan Railways is taking several steps to improve the service of the trains and facilitate the passengers and in case of late running of trains, passengers have been informed in advance through SMS alerts.

The official said the passengers have been granted a full refund if a train starts more than six hours late from the originating station. Besides the passengers are also provided with complimentary meals in the event of emergencies, he added.

He said in case of disruptions, passengers have been transported either by alternative railway path or by road service arranged by the department.

To a question, the official said the transportation of goods through Railways has always been economical for bulk cargo and long-distance hauls providing economy of scale, whereas for transportation of goods for a shorter distance and small cargo, the road has the advantage over Pakistan Railways due to its doorstep loading and delivery options.

He said the main advantages of rail transportation over road included manifold fuel efficiency and reduction in transportation cost besides ensuring up to 75 per cent improvement in the environment.

The official said that rail freight pricing in Pakistan and globally differ significantly owing to various factors, including infrastructure, government policies, operational efficiency, and market dynamics.

About some key points highlighting these differences including many countries of the world have separated and dedicated freight corridors, bulk haulage regulations, and large transport capacities, he added.

He said the rail infrastructure in Pakistan has been over-aged and needs matching financial support from the government to upgrade its infrastructure.

The countries with modernised rail systems, like the United States, China, and many European nations, benefit from higher efficiency, faster speeds, and better logistics, reducing the overall cost of operations.