PM's directives: Railway fares to remain unchanged, NHA withdraws hike in toll taxes on highways

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered that train fares across the country remain unchanged, while also instructing the National Highway Authority (NHA) to put a hold on any planned increase in toll taxeson national highways, aiming to reduce the financial burden on citizens amid ongoing fuel crisis due to Middle East conflict.

In a press release, Pakistan Railways confirmed that the prime minister has directed authorities not to raise ticket prices for any category.

Following this, fares for both economy and air-conditioned classes will stay at their current levels.

The decision also extends to freight services, with charges for goods transport kept unchanged to support businesses and prevent additional cost pressures.

To make this possible, the government has decided to absorb the impact of the recent rise in diesel prices rather than shifting it onto passengers. As a result, it will shoulder an extra financial burden of Rs6 billion until June 30, 2026.

At the same time, the government has also stepped in to stop a proposed quarterly hike in toll plaza charges.

This move, taken on the prime minister’s instructions, is part of broader efforts to provide relief amid ongoing economic difficulties.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan directed the NHA to withdraw its earlier notification issued on April 1, which had announced an increase in toll rates from April 5.

Following his orders, a revised notification has now been released, officially cancelling the planned hike.

Khan pointed out that people are already struggling due to rising petrol and diesel prices, and adding further expenses would only worsen their situation.

The minister reaffirmed that the government remains committed to easing public hardship in line with the prime minister’s vision. It was also noted that throughout the fiscal year 2025–26, no increase in toll taxes had been implemented.

While chairing a high-level meeting of the NHA, Abdul Aleem Khan described the Karachi Port–Hyderabad M-10 Motorway as a vital economic artery for the country.

He explained that the eight-lane project would play a key role in improving links between seaports and inland regions, as well as helping to reduce traffic congestion in major urban areas.

The minister instructed officials to bring in international consultants along with top engineers to begin feasibility work and initial planning for the project.

The motorway will also feature modern rest stops and commercial facilities at intervals of every 10 kilometers to improve travel experience and encourage local economic activity.

Responding to speculation about the financial health of the authority, the minister dismissed such claims as inaccurate, stating that the NHA is fully focused on delivering durable and high-standard infrastructure.

During the meeting, it was shared that the OPEC Fund for International Development has recently approved a loan of $230 million for Section 3 of the Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway.

Abdul Aleem Khan further assured that all funds would be used transparently and said that if financial resources are made available on time, the M-10 Motorway could be completed within two years, bringing meaningful benefits for the public, the business sector, and the country as a whole.