Pakistan Railways Moves to Outsource 11 More Trains to Private Sector

LAHORE – In a bid to enhance passenger services and boost revenue, Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource the commercial operations of 11 additional trains to private firms, according to official sources.

The move follows a similar decision earlier this year, when the railway authority opted to outsource seven trains to improve efficiency and reduce financial losses.

The latest batch of trains set to be managed by the private sector includes:

Hazara Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Millat Express, Subak Kharam Express, Rawal Express, Badar Express, Ghori Express, Ravi Express, Thall Express, Faiz Ahmed Faiz Express, and Moenjo Daro Passenger.

Sources indicate that firms interested in taking over operations have been invited to submit their bids by August 12. The bids will be opened on the same day, marking a crucial step in the privatisation process.

Officials emphasise that the initiative aims not at full privatisation but at outsourcing operational responsibilities to improve service quality and reduce the department’s burden. “This will help ensure better facilities for travellers while creating new streams of income for the department,” a railway source said.

Earlier in February, the railways outsourced seven trains, including Karachi Express, Farid Express, Sukkur Express, and others, under a similar model.