Railways to relaunch Safari train today

Pakistan Railways has announced the relaunch of its Safari Tourist Train for the fourth time, featuring upgraded coaches, new facilities and increased fares. Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi will inaugurate the service today (Sunday). The train will operate once a week, every Sunday, departing at 10:00 am from Rawalpindi Railway Station. The route includes scenic and historic locations such as the Margalla Hills, Golra Sharif, Sangjani Tunnel, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Chablal Bridge and Haro Bridge. The Safari Tourist Train will also pass through Attock's historic 160-year-old iron bridge from the British era, Ghazi Barotha Canal, and Attock Khurd station. The train will stop for four to six hours at Attock Khurd, allowing tourists to explore the area before returning to Rawalpindi the same evening. Passengers will be provided with onboard amenities including Wi-Fi, tea, biscuits, cold drinks, and meals. The Safari train was previously launched by former railways ministers Sheikh Rashid and Azam Khan Swati but service was discontinued after a few trips due to financial losses. Meanwhile, the PR has increased fares for economy and AC business classes by 15–20% with ticket prices ranging between Rs2,500 and Rs4,000. It has also reduced discounts for children.