According to sources, Pakistan Railways is getting ready to introduce the Railway Automated Booking & Travel Assistance (RABTA) program to improve its operations.
A joint venture agreement was signed by the Federal Railways Minister and two Chinese companies in order to increase productivity through the application of information technology (IT).
As a result of this collaboration, the RABTA app will be released, enabling tourists to purchase tickets, cabs, meals, and hotels.
The Railways Minister stated that there will be an additional fee of Rs. 9 per railway ticket, and that there will be conversations with the government concerning an excise tax on airline tickets. Additionally, users of the app can arrange shipments and track train timetables.
The revenue-sharing agreement with China makes the app available, and it is recognized as a key step in modernizing the Railways’ operations.
In the meantime, Pakistan Railways increased train fares by 8% on February 1 except for the Green Line due to the recent jump in petrol costs.
A representative for the Railways said that the tariff increase was required since the most recent diesel price was costing the department Rs.10 million every day.
