How Delays and ETAs Are Calculated

What "Delay Minutes" Means

The delay number on a train card is the difference between where the train is right now and where the timetable says it should be at this moment:

The delay is recalculated every time a new GPS position arrives — roughly every 30 seconds. It reflects how the train is performing right now, not how it started its journey.

Status Colour Reference

Each train on the map and in the sidebar list is assigned a colour based on how many minutes late it is running:

How Arrival Times Are Estimated

The ETA shown for each upcoming station is calculated by adding the train's current delay to the timetable arrival time at that station:

ETAs update automatically on every GPS refresh. A train that picks up speed between stations will show a shorter delay and earlier ETAs on the next update.

Common Reasons for Delays

The most frequent causes of delay on Pakistan Railways, based on operational patterns visible in live tracking data:

• •Passing Loop Waits — Most of the network is single-track. When two trains approach the same section from opposite directions, one must pull into a loop and wait. A delay in one train creates a delay in the other.
• •Locomotive Reliability — Older diesel units break down more often. An engine change mid-route can add several hours to a journey.
• •Track Speed Limits — Sections of poorly maintained track carry mandatory speed restrictions, meaning trains run slower than the timetable assumes.
• •Level Crossing Incidents — Accidents or obstructions at crossings halt the affected train until the track is cleared and inspected.
• •Cascading from Origin — If a train departs late from its starting station, the full delay travels with it down the entire route.
• •Weather — Fog in winter and flooding during monsoon season both impose operational slowdowns.

Getting the Most Out of Delay Data