Operators of the recently-launched private business train have started taking cost-cutting measures after exorbitant reservation fares failed to attract people towards train travel, Pakistan Today learnt on Friday. According to well-placed sources, the Pakistan Railways (PR) and private operators of Pak Business Express have slashed the passenger fare by Rs 1,500 to make the private train more attractive for travellers.
The profit-conscious businessmen invested around Rs 225 million for the commercial management and passenger facilitation of the business train and apparently want a quick return, as is evident from the discontinuation of food service aboard the train and the introduction of a budget class. According to the sources, the management took the decision of decreasing fare with a view to attract the passengers, as presently only 150 people are using the facility on average. The total capacity of train is 486.