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Hazara Express (Pakistan Railways)
Hazara Express (Pakistan Railways) is one of Pakistan’s most important long-distance passenger train services, connecting the country’s largest city with the mountainous north in a single continuous journey. Operated daily by Pakistan Railways, the train runs between Karachi City Railway Station in Sindh and Havelian Railway Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — covering 1,594 kilometres (990 miles) in approximately 33 hours across 44 stops.
The route is one of the longest active rail journeys in Pakistan. It passes through four distinct railway lines: the Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line, the Khanewal–Wazirabad Branch Line, the Shorkot–Lalamusa Branch Line, and the Taxila–Khunjerab Railway Line. Along the way, the train passes through major cities including Hyderabad, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila before reaching the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The service was introduced in 2006 under its current name, replacing the earlier Chenab Express that operated between Karachi and Peshawar. Since then, it has become a primary travel option for passengers crossing between Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The train runs under train numbers 11UP (northbound) and 12DN (southbound), offering Economy and AC Standard class coaches, with sleeping and catering facilities available on board.
This article covers the complete Hazara Express route, stop-by-stop station list, timing and schedule, ticket classes, equipment, and the train’s history — including key incidents that have shaped its safety record over the years.
| Train Name | Hazara Express |
| Type | Inter-city Passenger Rail |
| Predecessor | Chenab Express |
| First Service | 2006 |
| Operator | Pakistan Railways |
| Catering Operator | S. Jamil & Co. |
| Train Numbers | 11UP (Karachi to Havelian) | 12DN (Havelian to Karachi) |
| Departure Station | Karachi City Railway Station, Karachi, Sindh |
| Arrival Station | Havelian Railway Station, Havelian, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Total Distance | 1,594 kilometres (990 miles) |
| Journey Duration | Approximately 33 hours |
| Total Stops | 44 |
| Classes Available | AC Standard, Economy Class |
| Sleeping Arrangements | Available |
| Catering Facilities | Available |
| Track Gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Service Frequency | Daily |
| Track Owner | Pakistan Railways |
| Route Lines | Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line | Khanewal–Wazirabad Branch Line | Shorkot–Lalamusa Branch Line | Taxila–Khunjerab Railway Line |
| Provinces Covered | Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
What is Hazara Express?
Hazara Express is a daily passenger train operated by Pakistan Railways running between Karachi City Railway Station and Havelian Railway Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It covers 1,594 kilometres in approximately 33 hours via 44 stops, offering Economy and AC Standard classes.
History
The Hazara Express has its origins in an older intercity rail service that once connected Pakistan’s south to its northern frontier. Its history spans decades of route changes, rebranding, and — in more recent years — a series of serious safety incidents that brought national attention to railway infrastructure in Pakistan.
The Chenab Express Era (Before 2006)
Before 2006, the service operated under the name Chenab Express. It ran between Karachi and Peshawar, passing through Lala Musa, Faisalabad, and Multan — a route that served a different geographic corridor than the train follows today. The Chenab Express was a well-used intercity service connecting Punjab’s agricultural heartland with Pakistan’s two largest cities at either end of the mainline.
Renamed and Rerouted (2006)
In 2006, Pakistan Railways restructured the service. The train was renamed the Hazara Express and its southern terminus shifted focus toward the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Havelian replacing Peshawar as the northern endpoint. The revised route brought the train through Rawalpindi and Taxila before entering the Hazara division — giving the renamed service both a new identity and a new purpose.
Safety Incidents and Accident Record
The Hazara Express has been involved in several serious accidents that raised ongoing concerns about railway safety standards in Pakistan.
According to local media reports, an estimated 150 people lost their lives in a series of incidents between 2013 and 2019, though official consolidated figures were not publicly released.
In 2021, a collision between two trains in Sindh’s Ghotki district — one of which was the Hazara Express — killed at least 40 people and injured dozens more. The crash drew widespread criticism over signalling failures and track maintenance on Pakistan Railways’ network.
On August 6, 2023, the train derailed while travelling from Karachi toward Rawalpindi. At least 30 people were killed and approximately 100 sustained injuries. Authorities launched an inquiry into the cause, with
preliminary reports pointing to track condition as a contributing factor.
Each incident has renewed calls for infrastructure investment and modernisation across Pakistan’s ageing rail network.
Hazara Express Route
Hazara Express covers a total distance of 1,594 kilometres (990 miles) between Karachi City Railway Station in Sindh and Havelian Railway Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The journey takes approximately 33 hours to complete, making it one of the longest continuous rail journeys available on Pakistan’s national railway network. The train makes 44 scheduled stops along the way, passing through three of Pakistan’s four provinces — Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The route does not follow a single railway line from start to finish. Instead, it transitions across five distinct rail segments, each serving a different geographic corridor of the country. This multi-line structure is what gives the Hazara Express its reach — from the coastal metropolis of Karachi in the south to the foothills of the Himalayas in the north.
The five segments of the route are as follows:
- The first segment runs from Karachi City to Khanewal Junction along the Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line — the main trunk line of Pakistan’s rail network, passing through Hyderabad, Rohri, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran before reaching Khanewal.
- From Khanewal Junction, the train shifts onto the Khanewal–Wazirabad Branch Line for the second segment, heading northeast through Shorkot Cantonment Junction. This branch line cuts through central Punjab, avoiding the main trunk and connecting agricultural districts that would otherwise lack direct rail access to Karachi.
- The third segment covers the Shorkot–Lalamusa Branch Line, running from Shorkot Cantonment Junction through Jhang Sadar, Sargodha, and Malakwal Junction to Lala Musa Junction. This section passes through some of Punjab’s most densely populated railway towns.
- At Lala Musa Junction, the train rejoins the Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line for the fourth segment — travelling north through Jhelum, Gujar Khan, and Rawalpindi to Taxila Cantonment Junction. This is one of the most historically significant rail corridors in the region, running parallel to the Grand Trunk Road.
- The fifth and final segment departs from Taxila Cantonment Junction onto the Taxila–Khunjerab Railway Line, heading into the Hazara region via Kot Najib Ullah and Haripur Hazara before terminating at Havelian — the northernmost point of the journey.
Hazara Express Route Map
The Hazara Express route stretches from Pakistan’s southern coastline to the northern edge of the Punjab plains, covering a geographically diverse corridor that no single straight railway line could serve alone.
Below are the major city-to-city segments and their approximate distances along the route:
| Segment | Approximate Distance |
| Karachi City → Hyderabad Junction | 165 km |
| Hyderabad Junction → Rohri Junction | 270 km |
| Rohri Junction → Rahim Yar Khan | 175 km |
| Rahim Yar Khan → Multan Cantonment | 190 km |
| Multan Cantonment → Khanewal Junction | 55 km |
| Khanewal Junction → Lala Musa Junction | 265 km (branch lines) |
| Lala Musa Junction → Rawalpindi | 175 km |
| Rawalpindi → Taxila Cantonment | 35 km |
| Taxila Cantonment → Havelian | 60 km |
| Total | ~1,594 km |
The route passes through Sindh’s lower Indus plain, crosses the Sutlej and Chenab river basins in central Punjab, climbs gradually through the Potohar Plateau between Rawalpindi and Taxila, and finally descends into the Haro River valley before reaching Havelian in the Hazara division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
For passengers travelling the full route, the landscape changes dramatically — from the flat desert terrain of interior Sindh to the green fields of south Punjab, the historic city corridors of central Punjab, and finally the forested foothills of the Himalayas as the train approaches its northern terminus.
Pakistan Railways officially lists the Hazara Express under train numbers 11UP (Karachi to Havelian, northbound) and 12DN (Havelian to Karachi, southbound). Both directions follow the identical five-segment route in reverse order.
Hazara Express Stops
The Hazara Express makes 44 scheduled stops between Karachi City Railway Station and Havelian Railway Station. The route passes through three provinces — Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — serving major cities, district headquarters, and key railway junctions along the way.
Major stops include Hyderabad, Rohri, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan, Sargodha, Lala Musa, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, and Taxila — making the Hazara Express one of the most widely connected long-distance rail services on Pakistan’s mainline network.
Complete Station List (11UP — Karachi to Havelian)
| No. | Station | Province |
| 1 | Karachi City | Sindh |
| 2 | Karachi Cantonment | Sindh |
| 3 | Drigh Road | Sindh |
| 4 | Landhi Junction | Sindh |
| 5 | Kotri Junction | Sindh |
| 6 | Hyderabad Junction | Sindh |
| 7 | Tando Adam Junction | Sindh |
| 8 | Nawabshah | Sindh |
| 9 | Pad Idan Junction | Sindh |
| 10 | Bhiria Road | Sindh |
| 11 | Mahrabpur Junction | Sindh |
| 12 | Rohri Junction | Sindh |
| 13 | Pano Akil | Sindh |
| 14 | Mirpur Mathelo | Sindh |
| 15 | Sadiqabad | Punjab |
| 16 | Rahim Yar Khan | Punjab |
| 17 | Khanpur Junction | Punjab |
| 18 | Liaquatpur | Punjab |
| 19 | Dera Nawab Sahib | Punjab |
| 20 | Mubarakpur | Punjab |
| 21 | Samasata Junction | Punjab |
| 22 | Bahawalpur | Punjab |
| 23 | Lodhran Junction | Punjab |
| 24 | Shujabad | Punjab |
| 25 | Multan Cantonment | Punjab |
| 26 | Khanewal Junction | Punjab |
| 27 | Shorkot Cantonment Junction | Punjab |
| 28 | Jhang Sadar | Punjab |
| 29 | Sillanwali | Punjab |
| 30 | Shahinabad Junction | Punjab |
| 31 | Sargodha Junction | Punjab |
| 32 | Bhalwal | Punjab |
| 33 | Malakwal Junction | Punjab |
| 34 | Mandi Bahauddin | Punjab |
| 35 | Dinga | Punjab |
| 36 | Lala Musa Junction | Punjab |
| 37 | Jhelum | Punjab |
| 38 | Gujar Khan | Punjab |
| 39 | Rawalpindi | Punjab |
| 40 | Taxila Cantonment | Punjab |
| 41 | Kot Najib Ullah | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| 42 | Haripur Hazara | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| 43 | Havelian | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Province-wise Stop Breakdown
| Province | Number of Stops |
| Sindh | 14 |
| Punjab | 26 |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 3 |
| Total | 43 |
The majority of stops fall within Punjab, reflecting the province’s dense railway infrastructure and high passenger demand along the central corridor. The train enters Khyber Pakhtunkhwa only after Taxila Cantonment, with three final stops — Kot Najib Ullah, Haripur Hazara, and Havelian — serving the Hazara division directly.
Connecting Karachi to Havelian
The Hazara Express serves as one of Pakistan’s most important long-distance rail links, connecting Karachi — the country’s largest city and primary commercial hub — with Havelian, a town at the southern edge of the Hazara division in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The journey covers 1,594 kilometres across three provinces, making it far more than a point-to-point commute. For millions of Pakistanis, this train is the most practical and affordable way to travel between the south and the north.
Karachi generates enormous passenger demand for northbound rail travel. Workers returning to their home districts in Punjab and KPK, families travelling for weddings and festivals, students heading to universities, and traders moving between markets all rely on this service. In the opposite direction, 12DN brings passengers from Havelian, Haripur, Rawalpindi, and dozens of intermediate stations down to Karachi’s port economy. The train functions as a social connector as much as a transport service.
The route itself passes through some of Pakistan’s most distinct geographic zones. Leaving Karachi, the train crosses the flat alluvial plains of lower Sindh, running alongside the Indus basin through Hyderabad and Rohri. Through south and central Punjab, the landscape opens into irrigated farmland — cotton fields, sugarcane, and wheat — punctuated by the river crossings of the Sutlej and Chenab. North of Lala Musa, the terrain begins to rise. The Potohar Plateau between Rawalpindi and Taxila marks the transition from the Punjab plains to the foothills, and by the time the train reaches Haripur Hazara, the landscape has shifted entirely — green hills replacing the flat south.
The Hazara Express offers two classes for this journey — AC Standard for passengers prioritising comfort on the long overnight stretch, and Economy Class for those travelling on a tighter budget. Sleeping arrangements and catering facilities are available on board, which are essential provisions given the 33-hour duration of the full route.
Since its introduction in 2006 under the Hazara Express name, the service has remained a daily constant on Pakistan’s railway timetable. It continues to operate through disruptions, seasonal demand spikes, and infrastructure challenges — reflecting both the resilience of the service and the dependency of the communities it connects.
Equipment
The Hazara Express is equipped to support long-distance travel across a 33-hour, 1,594-kilometre route. Pakistan Railways maintains a range of passenger, safety, and technical equipment across the train’s coaches to meet the basic requirements of intercity rail travel. The equipment is distributed across four functional categories: passenger coaches, on-board services, safety and security systems, and technical infrastructure.
Passenger Coaches
The Hazara Express runs with multiple coach types to serve different passenger needs across the full Karachi–Havelian route.
AC Standard Coaches are air-conditioned and provide reserved seating for passengers requiring climate-controlled travel — particularly relevant during Pakistan’s summer months when temperatures in Sindh and south Punjab regularly exceed 40°C along the route.
Economy Class Coaches are non-air-conditioned and carry the largest share of passengers on the service. Seating is basic but functional, making Economy the most widely used option for budget travellers crossing provinces.
Sleeper Coaches provide sleeping berths for passengers travelling the full or near-full route overnight. Given the 33-hour journey duration, sleeping accommodation is a practical necessity for end-to-end travellers rather than a luxury add-on.
Dining Car — the train includes a dedicated catering coach operated by S. Jamil & Co., the contracted catering service for this route. The dining car serves meals, snacks, and beverages to passengers throughout the journey.
On-Board Services
Restroom Facilities are available across coaches and are subject to regular cleaning by on-board staff. Maintenance quality can vary on long-distance services, and passengers travelling the full route are advised to carry basic supplies.
Passenger Information — station announcements and stop information are provided during the journey to keep passengers informed of upcoming stations, particularly useful for those disembarking at intermediate stops rather than the terminus.
Luggage Compartments are available in each coach, providing designated overhead and undercarriage storage space for passenger baggage. Given the intercity nature of the route, passengers frequently travel with large amounts of luggage, and storage capacity is a standard feature across all coach types.
Safety and Security
Fire Extinguishers are installed in each coach as a standard safety requirement across Pakistan Railways’ long-distance fleet.
Emergency Brake Systems allow the train to be brought to a stop rapidly in the event of an emergency. These systems are standard across Pakistan Railways rolling stock and are subject to periodic inspection.
Surveillance Cameras are fitted in designated areas of the train to support passenger security monitoring during the journey.
Given the Hazara Express’s history of serious accidents — including the 2021 Ghotki collision and the August 2023 derailment — Pakistan Railways has faced repeated calls from safety analysts and civil society organisations to upgrade the train’s signalling infrastructure and track monitoring systems along this corridor.
Technical Equipment
Locomotives — the Hazara Express is hauled by diesel locomotives from Pakistan Railways’ mainline fleet. The specific locomotive class assigned to the service can vary based on availability and maintenance scheduling at Karachi’s locomotive shed.
Signalling Systems — the route passes through multiple railway zones, each operating under Pakistan Railways’ central signalling framework. Advanced signalling equipment is used to manage train movement, particularly at major junctions including Khanewal, Lala Musa, and Rawalpindi, where the Hazara Express crosses or merges with other active mainline services.
| Category | Equipment | Detail |
| Passenger Coaches | AC Standard Coaches | Air-conditioned, reserved seating — preferred for long-distance and overnight travel |
| Economy Class Coaches | Non-air-conditioned, basic seating — most widely used class on this route | |
| Sleeper Coaches | Sleeping berths available — essential for end-to-end 33-hour journeys | |
| Dining Car | Meals, snacks, and beverages — catering operated by S. Jamil & Co. | |
| On-Board Services | Restroom Facilities | Available across all coach types — subject to regular cleaning by on-board staff |
| Passenger Information | Station announcements provided throughout journey for intermediate stop passengers | |
| Luggage Compartments | Overhead and undercarriage storage available in all coach configurations | |
| Safety & Security | Fire Extinguishers | Fitted in each coach as standard Pakistan Railways safety requirement |
| Emergency Brake Systems | Standard across mainline rolling stock — subject to periodic inspection | |
| Surveillance Cameras | Installed in designated coach areas for passenger security monitoring | |
| Technical Equipment | Diesel Locomotives | Mainline fleet assigned from Karachi locomotive shed — class varies by availability |
| Signalling Systems | Central Pakistan Railways signalling framework — active at all major junctions on route |
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Hazara Express
Key questions answered about Pakistan Railways' Karachi to Havelian intercity train service
The train covers 1,594 kilometres (990 miles) in approximately 33 hours, making 44 scheduled stops across Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It operates under train numbers 11UP (northbound) and 12DN (southbound) and offers Economy and AC Standard class coaches, with sleeping and catering facilities available on board.
Based on the total journey distance of 1,594 kilometres covered in approximately 33 hours, the average operational speed works out to roughly 48 kilometres per hour — accounting for all 44 scheduled stops and dwell times along the route. For precise technical specifications, passengers should consult Pakistan Railways directly.
It covers approximately 1,521 kilometres and is designed for shorter travel times than most other intercity services. The Green Line Express offers economy, business, and executive class options with modern passenger facilities. Its introduction was part of Pakistan Railways' broader effort to modernise and improve efficiency across the national rail network.
The full journey takes approximately 33 hours end to end. Pakistan Railways adjusts schedules during peak seasons including Eid and summer travel periods. For the most current departure and arrival times, passengers should check the official Pakistan Railways website at ur.railway.gov.pk or contact their nearest booking office directly.
AC Standard class provides air-conditioned, reserved seating at a higher fare. Economy Class offers non-air-conditioned seating at a more affordable rate, making it the most widely used option on this route. For current fare prices on the Karachi to Havelian route, passengers should visit ur.railway.gov.pk or check at any Pakistan Railways booking counter nationwide.
The route passes through 14 stops in Sindh, 27 stops in Punjab, and 3 stops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Major intermediate stations include Hyderabad Junction, Rohri Junction, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan Cantonment, Sargodha Junction, Lala Musa Junction, Rawalpindi, and Taxila Cantonment.
The exact number of active trains varies due to operational adjustments, maintenance schedules, and seasonal service changes. Pakistan Railways connects major cities, district towns, and regional hubs across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, offering services ranging from economy intercity trains to premium express services. For the current list of active services, the official Pakistan Railways website provides an up-to-date train directory.
