MULTAN, Apr 05: Passengers travelling from Multan to Karachi on Khyber Mail have complained of poor cleanliness, delays and overcharging during the long journey.
The train, which passengers say usually departs one to two hours late, reportedly reaches Karachi with even longer delays due to unscheduled stops along the route.
Travellers described unhygienic conditions throughout the journey, claiming trash remained scattered on cabin floors and stuffed into bins beneath the windows. Rubeena, Farzana and Tehseen, who boarded the train from Multan, said they waited for a cleaner to arrive but no one showed up.
Passengers also reported seeing cockroaches inside the so-called luxury AC Business cabins. Farooq, who boarded the train from Bahawalpur, said the presence of insects made the journey uncomfortable.
In addition to hygiene concerns, passengers criticized high food and service charges. They said a cup of tea was sold for Rs150, a paratha for Rs80, an omelette for Rs120 and a chicken piece for Rs1,200, while pillows and blankets were rented at Rs150 each for the night. Raja Riaz, a dining car salesman, said the prices were fixed by the authorities and he had no authority to offer discounts. Passengers further alleged that no receipts were issued despite repeated requests.
Efforts to obtain a response from Divisional Superintendent Railways Hanif Gill remained unsuccessful despite repeated calls and messages. Railways PRO Karleem said he was unable to comment in detail, adding that only higher authorities could respond to the said issues raised by passengers.
