Pakistan Railways has agreed to collaborate with a Chinese defence and technology firm on the development of an artificial intelligence system that will allow passengers to plan and book door-to-door travels using a single app.
The China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) will develop the service over the next ten years as part of the public–private partnership agreement.
The arrangement, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways Secretary Habibur Rehman Gilani, will not require any funding from the rail operator.
Norinco will be paid a percentage of the ticket price, freight, and value-added services.
The Railway Automated Booking and Travel Assistance programme is the name of the system. Passengers will be able to use the app to book and pay for each mode of transportation on a route. They’ll also be able to check train schedules, select seats, reserve car rentals and meals, and book a hotel.
