Pakistan Railways Launches “Premium Lounge” Dining Car

Amir Baloch, the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Railways, inaugurated the ‘Premium Lounge’ dining car at Lahore Railway Station. The premium lounge, attached to Bahauddin Zakariya Express, represents the first step in improving facilities provided by Pakistan Railways.

Baloch, speaking to the media, emphasized Pakistan Railways’ commitment to enhancing food and beverage standards in trains, ensuring value for money in the design of the dining car.

The initial beneficiary of the premium lounge dining car will be the Bahauddin Zakariya Express, with plans to extend the improvements to the Hazara Express in the subsequent phase. Despite limited resources, Baloch assured passengers of the best facilities, highlighting that the project was finalized on a ‘Develop-and-run’ basis in collaboration with a private partner.

Addressing questions, Amir Baloch stated that the Lahore dining car contract spans one year, offering bedding services to passengers at Rs 250 each. Emphasizing cleanliness, he highlighted the dining car operator’s responsibility in maintaining hygiene.

The CEO reiterated the goal of providing fare relief and mentioned ongoing discussions about the financial terms of the ML-1 project.

The dining car can accommodate 45 passengers at a time, offering a menu with more than 40 dishes. An oven is available for fresh baked ‘roti’, and barbecue and pizza will also be offered. In the coming weeks, new dining cars will be added to other trains as well.

Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, the Chairman of Pakistan Railways, also shared a video of the newly added premium lounge dining car in the Bahauddin Zakariya Express: