The cash-strapped Pakistan Railways (PR) has increased passenger trains fares from 15 to 20 percent with effect from Thursday to overcome its financial crisis and a notification in this regard was issued here on Monday.

The notification said that (a) passenger train fares have been increased by 15 percent (b) all intercity; Mail Express and non-stop trains' fares have been increased for all classes by 20 percent. All fuel charges have been merged in basic fares of all trains and classes before this increase, the notification added.

Sources in the Railways Headquarter told Business Recorder that PR had moved a summery about a week ago to raise the fares of freight and passenger trains by 25 percent; however the government has permitted only 15 to 20 percent. There is no change in the present freight charges.