RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Railways on Thursday launched Thal Express which will operate between Rawalpindi and Multan on public-private partnership.

Divisional Superintendent Inamullah inaugurated the train along with the Imran Enterprises team. The Thal Express has the capacity to carry more than 700 passengers at a time with seven coaches for the economy class. It will reach Multan from Rawalpindi in 15 hours. The private company will manage the operation under outsource policy of the Pakistan Railways.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Inamullah said Thal Express was a gift for residents of North and South Punjab, adding people from the middle class use trains for travelling and Pakistan Railways would provide the maximum number of facilities to passengers.

He said the Thal Express would depart from Rawalpindi at 7am and reach Multan at 7pm, adding the fare for travel through the economy class coaches was Rs770 per seat and Rs820 per berth while Rs1,980 per seat for the air-conditioned coach.

It may be mentioned here that Thal Express was closed in 2008 due to a financial crisis and shortage of locomotives. Earlier, Mehar Express between Rawalpindi and Multan was also made operational. It departs from Rawalpindi at 6pm and reaches Multan at 5am.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2022