Pakistan Railway to outsource seven new passenger trains

LAHORE: In a recent development, the Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource seven more passenger trains to the private sector to provide efficient services to the passengers.

The bidding process will continue till February 25; and Pakistan Railways has resolved to hand over seven trains to private companies, including the Hazara Express, the Karachi Express, the Farid Express, the Bahauddin Zakaria Express, the Sukkur Express, the Rawalpindi Express, and the Mohenjo Daro Express.

The railway authorities have made it clear that these trains would not be privatized rather, they will be outsourced to the private sector to enhance facilities for passengers and generate better revenue.

This move to outsource comes closely in the wake of the recent 5% fare increase in passenger express trains, which started on February 5.

The fare increase was made given an increase in fuel prices and will apply to all classes of train tickets, saloon services, and outsourced trains.

The federal government announced new petrol and diesel prices a fortnight ago, in which there was an increase of Rs 7 per liter.

Accordingly, petrol’s price was raised by Rs 1 per litre, and the new price became Rs 257.13 per litre, while the price for high-speed diesel was increased by Rs 7 per litre, with a new price of Rs 267.95.

According to officials, outsourcing would improve facilities for passengers and ensure better revenues for railways. This is also seen as a big step toward bettering the passenger experience and operational efficiency of the railways.

By collaborating with private-sector companies, Pakistan Railways hopes to access new investments and expertise that will modernize and improve the services it offers to passengers. The development