Pakistan Railways Revises Train Timings Amid Dense Fog: Updates and Tips

Winter in Pakistan brings thick fog that blankets Punjab. It cuts visibility and slows life down. Trains feel it too. Pakistan Railways just changed departure times for a few key trains to keep things safe. This happened on December 16, 2025. If you plan to travel from Lahore or Faisalabad, pay attention.

I recall winters where fog turned drives into crawls. Trains face the same. Better late than risky.

Key Changes to Departure Times

Four trains got hit. From Lahore:

• Karakoram Express (42-Down) now leaves at 4:00 PM. It used to depart at 3:00 PM.

• Pak Business Express (34-Down) shifts to 6:15 PM from 4:30 PM.

• Karachi Express (16-Down) moves to 7:30 PM instead of 6:00 PM.

From Faisalabad:

• Millat Express (18-Down), running from Lala Musa to Karachi, departs at 6:50 PM. Before, it was 5:50 PM.

These tweaks apply to down trains heading south. Other services to Karachi, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and nearby spots stick to normal times. No word on how long these changes last. Fog usually clears by late morning, but nights stay tricky.

Why Fog Messes with Train Operations

Fog hides signals and tracks. Trains can't stop fast. Low visibility means higher crash risks. Pakistan Railways prioritizes safety over speed. They delay starts to hit clearer windows.

Punjab's plains see this every winter. Dense fog forms from cold air and moisture. It peaks in December and January. Railways adjust yearly to avoid mishaps.

Look at this image of a train cutting through fog. It shows the challenge. Visibility drops to meters sometimes.

Affected Routes and Passengers

These trains link major cities. Karakoram Express goes to Karachi via Lahore. Pak Business serves business folks between Lahore and Karachi. Karachi Express does the same route overnight. Millat Express connects Faisalabad to southern Pakistan.

Delays mean later arrivals, too. If you catch the Pak Business at 6:15 PM, expect to reach Karachi hours behind. Plan connections or hotels accordingly.

Business travelers might shift meetings. Families could miss events. But safety comes first. Railways aim to minimize disruption.

Other trains run fine. If your route avoids heavy fog zones, you're good.

How to Check for Updates

Don't assume old times. Call Pakistan Railways inquiry at 117 from landlines or 042-117 from mobiles. Staff at stations help too. They're there round the clock during fog season.

Apps and websites post updates. Check the official Pakistan Railways site or apps like Pak Rail Live. Social media from railways shares alerts.

Sign up for SMS notifications if available. Better safe than stuck.

Tips for Traveling in Fog Season

Pack extra time. Arrive early at stations. Fog can delay even revised trains.

Carry snacks and water. Delays stretch trips.

Dress warm. Winter nights chill inside coaches.

Book tickets online to avoid queues. Use the e-ticketing system.

If driving to the station, go slowly. Fog hides hazards.

For long hauls, consider buses or flights if fog hits hard. But trains stay reliable overall.

Here's another shot of a train in heavy fog. It captures the eerie feel.

A Look at Past Fog-Related Adjustments

This isn't new. In October 2025, railways set a winter timetable for over 80 trains. They tweaked the times to handle fog. Back in April 2025, changes hit for summer.

History shows crashes from poor visibility. Railways learned. Now, they are proactive with schedules.

Minister Hanif Abbasi targets 90-95% punctuality by year-end. Upgrades like better signals help fight fog woes.

Broader Impact on Travel and Economy

Fog slows the whole system. Freight trains delay goods. Businesses wait for supplies. Passengers face stress.

But adjustments keep things moving. Railways haul millions yearly. Small changes prevent big halts.

Climate shifts might worsen fog. Railways plan tech like fog lights or GPS aids.

For now, these tweaks work. Travelers adapt.

Final Thoughts on Staying Safe

Fog season tests patience. But Pakistan Railways handles it well. Check times, stay informed, and travel smart. If you ride these trains, share your experiences below. Safe journeys.For more updates, visit DrivePK.com