Train travel in Pakistan is getting a visible upgrade in 2026. Pakistan Railways has begun introducing modern dining cars and refurbished coaches on its major trains, along with LED screens loaded with entertainment content, onboard water dispensers, and a substantially enhanced cleaning regime.
The onboard improvements are part of the railwayβs passenger-centric reform agenda, which recognises that winning travellers back from road and air transport depends as much on comfort and cleanliness as it does on punctuality and price.
Dining Cars Reimagined
The new dining cars feature updated kitchens, proper seating areas, and standardised menus, replacing the ad-hoc catering arrangements that passengers have long complained about. Meal quality and hygiene standards are being enforced through the catering contracts, with pricing displayed openly to prevent overcharging.
Refurbished coaches on premium services now include reupholstered seating and berths, improved lighting, repaired air-conditioning, and functional washrooms β basic amenities that make a substantial difference on journeys that can stretch beyond 18 hours.
Entertainment and Amenities
LED screens installed in upgraded coaches come pre-loaded with entertainment content, giving passengers movies and infotainment without needing mobile data β a practical touch on long stretches where cellular coverage is patchy. Water dispensers in coaches reduce dependence on platform vendors, and enhanced cleaning schedules mean coaches are serviced more frequently during the journey, not just at terminals.
The upgrades are being introduced train by train, starting with flagship express services, and will expand across the fleet as more coaches pass through rehabilitation programmes at railway workshops.
The Bigger Picture
Combined with station improvements β escalators, information desks, and free Wi-Fi at major stations β the onboard upgrades signal a coordinated effort to modernise the end-to-end travel experience in 2026.
Planning a trip on one of the upgraded trains? You can track any Pakistan Railways train live on TrainTracking.pk to see its current location and arrival estimates before you travel.