The first special train departed on Sunday evening (April 7) from Karachi, symbolizing the start of a joyous celebration for Pakistanis heading to their hometowns for Eid ul Fitr 2024.
The scenes at the train at the City Railway Station in Karachi reflected the anticipation and excitement surrounding the holiday season.
The inaugural special Eid train from Karachi to Peshawar boasted 17 economy coaches accommodating 1,110 passengers. However, with an influx of 1,200 passengers, it exceeded capacity, showcasing the high demand for rail travel during Eid festivities.
While most passengers boarded at the Cantonment Railway Station, brief stopovers allowed for additional embarkation.
This first train that departed from the City Railway Station on April 7, 2024, made initial stopovers at the Karachi Cantonment Railway Station and Landhi. The train route stopovers included key destinations such as Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri, Khanpur, Bahawalpur, Multan Cantt., Khanewal, Shorkot Cantt., Toba Tek Singh, Gojra, Faisalabad, Sangla Hill, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lalamusa, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Taxila Cantt, Attock city and Nowshera before reaching its final destination Peshawar Cantt at around noon on April 9.
Eid Trains 2024
Pakistan Railways has announced to run four special trains on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr to facilitate the passengers leaving for their home towns to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
The first special train departed from Karachi to Peshawar, facilitating travel to hometowns for the festivities.
Train schedule
- First special train: Departure from Karachi to Peshawar on April 7, 6:00 am
- Second special train: Departure from Quetta to Rawalpindi on April 7, 10:00 am
- Third special train: Departure from Karachi Cantonment to Lahore on April 8, 9:00 pm
- Fourth special train: Departure from Lahore to Karachi on April 9, 5:00 pm
Pakistan Railways reported earnings exceeding four million rupees from the first Eid train, highlighting the economic significance of facilitating holiday travel for citizens.
Eid Holidays 2024
With the Pakistani government declaring a four-day holiday from April 10 to April 13, the railways play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of citizens during this festive period
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On this festival, families come together, offer special prayers, indulge in festive meals, and take part in recreational activities.