ISLAMABAD – Eid ul Azha 2026 is around the corner, as the government has planned a special travel plan to ease the influx on the festive season. The Railways Minister announced the launch of “Prime Train” service that will operate from all major cities, aiming to make travel more affordable, comfortable, and widely accessible during the festive rush.
The initiative is expected to reduce overcrowding and provide much-needed relief to families traveling to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has unveiled a high-profile plan to revive and upgrade the iconic Awam Express, declaring it a flagship step toward a “new era of modern rail travel” in Pakistan. The much-anticipated train is set to be officially inaugurated on May 24, just days before Eid-ul-Adha, offering what authorities describe as a “massive relief” for millions of passengers rushing to travel to their hometowns for the festive holidays.
According to the Railways Minister, the Awam Express has undergone a complete transformation and modernization overhaul. Once considered a struggling service, the train has now been rebuilt with a fresh vision—promising passengers a significantly improved travel experience.
Inside the revamped coaches, passengers will reportedly find modern interior design, comfortable, upgraded seating arrangements, and cleaner, more organized travel environment.
Officials said the train has been rescheduled and optimized for reduced travel time to Karachi, positioning it as a faster and more efficient option compared to previous operations. The upgraded Awam Express is also being promoted as a service-oriented train, with special attention given to improved onboard food arrangements, enhanced cleanliness protocols, and better passenger service during the journey.
Railways officials insist the goal is to restore public confidence by offering a travel experience that is not only faster but also more comfortable and reliable.
Speaking to the media, Hanif Abbasi emphasized that providing safe, high-quality, and modern travel facilities remains the government’s top priority.
He further revealed an ambitious roadmap: Pakistan Railways is planning to introduce a “premium train” from every major city, aiming to reduce pressure on highways, ease road traffic congestion, and encourage citizens to shift back to rail travel.
For years, Pakistan Railways has struggled with severe financial crises, shortage of functional coaches, deteriorating railway tracks and persistent delays and declining service quality.
Despite the excitement surrounding the relaunch, experts caution that the real test lies ahead. With Eid travel demand expected to surge by up to 200%, the Awam Express will immediately face intense passenger pressure.
Authorities will also be under scrutiny to control long-standing issues such as Black-market ticket sales, overcrowding during peak holiday travel, operational delays.
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