Pakistan Railways has announced that Karakoram Express booking will move to a private operator, with the company Prime Rail taking over the Lahore-Karachi train from October 30, 2026.
The decision is part of Pakistan Railways’ ongoing plan to gradually transfer mail and express train operations to the private sector.
Karakoram Express booking: timeline for passengers
Pakistan Railways will continue to manage ticket bookings for the Karakoram Express until October 29, 2026. From October 30, Prime Rail will take over ticket bookings and other related operations of the train.
The private company has already received permission to start bookings for the Karakoram Express. Sources said the management of the Raabta app has been instructed to begin advance ticket bookings under the new arrangement.
Passengers who already hold reservations for travel after October 30 were not addressed in the announcement, but the early opening of the new booking window suggests the transition is designed to avoid disruption.
Why Pakistan Railways is shifting trains to private operators
The handover is part of a deliberate policy. Pakistan Railways has been moving toward private-sector management of its express and mail trains for several years, arguing that private operators bring better maintenance, cleaner coaches and more reliable on-board services.
The Lahore-Karachi corridor is the busiest passenger route in the country and the economic spine of the railway network. The Karakoram Express is one of the named express services on that route, and its transfer signals that the privatisation plan is moving from announcements to execution.
For travellers, the practical questions will be fares and service quality. Private operators typically invest in refurbished coaches and improved catering, but passengers will watch whether ticket prices change under the new arrangement. Neither Pakistan Railways nor Prime Rail has announced a revised fare structure yet.
The Raabta app, Pakistan Railways’ official booking platform, will continue to be part of the process during the transition, with advance bookings now opening under Prime Rail’s name.
What the handover means for travellers
For passengers, the handover means a single change: from October 30, reservations and train operations on the route will be handled by Prime Rail rather than Pakistan Railways. The booking window opens early, so passengers planning travel around that date can secure seats under the new arrangement.
Railway officials have framed the shift as a way to improve service standards on the busy Lahore-Karachi corridor. Private operators are expected to bring investment in coaches and on-board services, while Pakistan Railways retains oversight of the network.
The Karakoram Express is among the trains Pakistan Railways has identified for private-sector management as part of its reform plan. More mail and express trains are expected to follow the same route in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
When does Prime Rail take over the Karakoram Express?
Prime Rail takes over bookings and operations from October 30, 2026. Pakistan Railways handles bookings until October 29.
Can passengers book now under the new arrangement?
Yes. Prime Rail has received permission to start bookings, and the Raabta app has been instructed to begin advance ticket bookings.
Which route does the Karakoram Express run?
The train operates between Lahore and Karachi.
