LAHORE: Pakistan Railways on Tuesday directed private companies operating outsourced trains to honour railway passes, privilege ticket orders (PTOs) and concession cards for eligible passengers, including senior citizens, journalists and persons with disabilities.
The Office of the Chief Commercial Manager at Pakistan Railways Headquarters in Lahore issued instructions to private operators, including S. Jamil & Company, ZKB-BT JV, AA Enterprises, Prime Rail and Lasani Cargo, requiring them to provide all applicable travel concessions in accordance with railway rules and contractual obligations.
In a letter, the department said operators had been instructed on several occasions to extend concessions to eligible passengers under Pakistan Railways regulations and the terms of their agreements.
The letter specifically cited Clause 5.15 of the contracts, which requires private operators to accept railway employees’ travel facilities, privilege and post-retirement passes, duty and privilege ticket orders, special passes, and concessions for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other entitled categories.
The clause states that private operators must honour travel facilities issued by railway authorities for eligible passengers across all classes.
It also specifies that the relevant quota for these facilities will lapse 48 hours before a train’s scheduled departure.
The directive reiterates the contractual obligations of outsourced train operators to ensure eligible passengers can access their entitled travel benefits.