The railway system of Pakistan used to hold great importance after the creation of Pakistan, working efficiently to transport cargo and people across the country linking the major cities together. Nowadays however the railways are in a very bad shape. Lack of locomotive engines, fuel and spare parts have led to the cancellation of more than a hundred train services.
The remaining trains frequently run several hours late making passengers wait all day on the platforms. In this environment only a few trains offer a glimmer of hope including the Karachi Express. The Karachi Express was started in 1940 and is one of the fastest and oldest trains in Pakistan.
The train runs from Karachi to Lahore in 18 hours via Hyderabad, Rohri, Multan and Sahiwal. In 1999 it used to run nonstop from Karachi to Lahore with only one stop but gradually more stops were added along with economy class. It endured the worst period of the railways during the PPP government and was renovated in 2013 with 10 economy class coaches, 3 AC Business and 1 AC Sleeper class coach.
Due to its relatively new condition the seats are comfortable and the train runs fast. The Air-conditioning also works which is a blessing and the train has a dining tray which offers much better food than is available in the stations. Although it is far from very good, but it is still much better than most and we hope it will improve in the future.