https://arab.news/rkw7v
- POS systems at over 300 stations will modernize ticketing, simplify payments and improve financial transparency
- Minister says the Lahore-Karachi Pakistan Business Express train will complete one-way trip in 18 and a half hours
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday announced the launch of a new express train and digital payment services at several train stations across the country, amid the department’s modernization efforts.
The announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan Railways and Allied Bank Limited in June to launch Point of Sale (POS) systems at 348 railway stations across the country.
The installation of POS systems aims to modernize ticketing, simplify payment procedures and improve financial transparency within the railways department, according to Abbasi.
“POS machines have started their work at some stations,” he told reporters at the launching ceremony in Lahore. “God willing, we will be installing ATM machines and POS systems at 348 stations.”
Train passengers will now be able to purchase tickets and access other railway services using debit and credit cards, according to the minister.
The POS systems are expected to enable faster and more efficient transactions, eliminating long queues and manual procedures. The initiative will also help Pakistan Railways boost revenue while curbing financial fraud, theft and accounting errors.
In 2024, Pakistan Railways achieved a 40 percent revenue increase to Rs88 billion, according to Pakistani state media. The department added 229 new wagons, introduced 10 new trains, and enhanced passenger services with increased coach capacity and premium lounge dining cars.
Announcing the launch of the Pakistan Business Express train, the minister said it would complete one-way journey between Lahore and Karachi in approximately 18 and a half hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as the chief guest and praised efforts of both the current and former management of the railways.
“Pakistan Business Express offers not just elite-class amenities but European-style travel facilities for the common man,” he said, praising improvements at Lahore railway station that he said reflected a positive shift within Pakistan Railways.
“The outdated ticketing system has been replaced with a digital system, and European-standard lounges, reception desks and onboard services have been introduced.”
Sharif said his government was planning to launch similar trains for other cities as well.