Karachi to Lahore Travel Made Easy: New State‑of‑the‑Art Business Train Launched

Pakistan Railways has unveiled a major upgrade to its long‑distance service between Karachi and Lahore: a sleek, business‑class train equipped with modern facilities to redefine inter‑city rail travel Wikipedia+12The Express Tribune+12Business Recorder+12.

What’s New?

• 28 digitally‑equipped coaches imported and fitted with modern amenities for comfort, connectivity, and convenience The Express Tribune.

• Complimentary high‑speed Wi‑Fi onboard to keep passengers online throughout the 18½‑hour trip Arab News PK.

• A dedicated international‑standard dining car, offering premium meals and service during the journey YouTube+12The Express Tribune+12Gulf News+12.

• Digital ticketing and POS systems installed at stations: faster check‑outs, card payments, and better transparency at over 300 stations across Pakistan Arab News PK+1Gulf News+1.

• Station upgrades and modern lounges—including escalators, reception desks, and European‑style waiting areas at major hubs such as Lahore and Karachi dailytimes.com.pk.

Launch & Official Inauguration

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the service on July 19, 2025 at Lahore Railway Station, marking a significant milestone in rail modernisation NESPAK Foundation+6Gulf News+6Business Recorder+6.

• The upgraded service (Pak Business Express) began formal operations on or before July 29, 2025, completing each one‑way trip in approximately 18.5 hours between Lahore and Karachi Wikipedia+3ProPakistani+3Arab News PK+3.

✨ Why It Makes Travel Easier

• Enhanced comfort: Ergonomic seating, AC coaches, reliable service, and onboard dining deliver a travel experience comparable to flights, but at lower cost and without airport hassles.

• Improved productivity: High-speed Wi‑Fi and power outlets allow business travelers and professionals to work en route.

• Efficient stations: With digital payments and upgraded lounges, boarding and ticketing are faster and more user‑friendly.

• Reliability: This service responds to long-standing complaints about delays and overcrowding on traditional overnight trains like Karachi Express and Shalimar Express Wikipedia.

Strategic Importance & Future Trends

• The launch aligns with broader Pakistan Railways reforms, including track upgrades, PPP outsourcing of select services, and system digitisation across the network The Express Tribune.

• Plans are underway for a high‑speed “bullet train” between Lahore and Karachi by 2030, expected to cut travel time to just 5 hours and operate at speeds of 250–300 km/h, as part of CPEC‑backed investments in ML‑1 upgrades NESPAK Foundation.

Final Thoughts

For regular commuters, business travelers, and even leisure passengers, travel between Karachi and Lahore just got significantly more comfortable, connected, and efficient. With competitive fares and modern amenities, this new service offers a compelling alternative to long bus rides or domestic flights. As Pakistan Railways continues its transformation, more cities may soon benefit from premium rail services.