Chai, Cockroaches, and Delays: My Ride on Pakistan Railways how things will be better

 Nothing stops and life goes on.....life changes are fast but not our trains.

🚉 Those Golden Days of Train Travel

There was a time when boarding a train felt like stepping into a story.
Back in the day, traveling by Pakistan Railways was not just about reaching a destination — it was an experience. 🌟

Hot samosas at the station, chai sellers shouting in rhythm, porters running with colorful luggage, and windows wide open to the wind — what a vibe! ☕🍃=

Even in economy class, the atmosphere was generous.
You could sit beside someone sleeping on the berth. People adjusted with ease. There was warmth, kindness, and conversations that made time fly. ❤️

😔 Fast Forward to Today’s Reality

Unfortunately, the situation today is quite the opposite.
Despite the smiling staff and some nostalgic charm, the system itself feels neglected.

Here’s what I personally experienced on a recent trip:

• 🛏️ Pillows and bedsheets weren’t provided on time (if at all).

• 🚽 Washrooms were broken, unhygienic, and smelled awful.

• 🪳 Cockroaches crawling freely, despite announcements of “cleaning.”

• 😓 Cramped space — no longer easy to sit if someone’s lying on the berth.

• 🚫 Cleanliness? Just a word in the loudspeaker announcements.

Even the friendliest staff can only do so much when resources are lacking.

💫 Still, Something Keeps Us Coming Back

It’s not all bad. There’s still something romantic about train travel:

• The chai seller’s voice breaking the silence at every station ☕

• The green fields, rivers, and villages passing by your window 🌾

• That one kind passenger offering their seat with a smile 😊

Yes — it's a mix of both: nostalgia and discomfort, peace and frustration.

🔧 Is There Hope?

With mega railway projects like ML-1 under CPEC, there is hope for improvement.

If implemented seriously, we might see:

• 🛤️ Faster and more punctual trains

• 🧼 Cleaner coaches and restrooms

• 💻 Better ticketing systems

• 🔄 Improved customer experience overall

But all of that depends on action — not just promises.

💬 Final Thoughts

Train travel in Pakistan is no longer just a means of transport — it’s a mirror of our national priorities.
From what it used to be to what it has become, every journey carries a story — one that reflects the struggles, strengths, and spirit of Pakistanis.✨

Still I hold onto hope. Pakistan Railways has the potential to be great again — all it needs is attention, accountability, and proper management. If the same tracks can once carry stories, smiles, and steaming cups of chai, they can do it again. It's time we stop romanticizing the past and start demanding better service. Cleanliness, punctuality, and customer care shouldn't be luxuries — they should be standard. Until then, we’ll continue riding with memories in our hearts, bags in our hands, and cockroaches under our seats. Let’s raise our voices for better journeys. 🚆

❓ What Was Your Train Experience Like?

👇 Share your stories in the comments!
Was your last train ride joyful, frustrating — or a mix of both?