Pakistan Railways sets deadline to outsource 13 express trains
Pakistan Railways deadline
Pakistan Railways has directed officials to complete the process of outsourcing 13 express and passenger trains by December 31. The plan includes advertisements, bidding and awarding contracts to private operators.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has instructed officials to complete the process within the deadline. Six trains are already being operated commercially by private parties.
The 13 trains listed for outsourcing are Sandal, Allama Iqbal Express, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Fareed Express, Sukkur Express, Babu Passenger, Bulleh Shah Passenger, Mohenjodaro Express, Lasani Express, Sialkot Express, Karachi Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express and Tezgam.
Defective railway equipment and security measures under review
The ministry is also working to bring faulty or inactive coaches and wagons back into service. Abbasi has ordered officials to replace defective brake cylinders, brake blocks and brake shoes.
Private suppliers who fail to deliver equipment and materials on time could be blacklisted. The move is aimed at addressing delays and improving the condition of railway assets.
The minister has also ordered the installation of modern CCTV cameras and the deployment of private security at railway workshops and yards. These measures are intended to reduce theft and improve the protection of railway property.
Locomotives undergoing repairs must return to service according to schedule. Officials found responsible for negligence could face legal action.
Track upgrades and bridge repairs given deadlines
Pakistan Railways has ordered the completion of track renewal work in the Sukkur division by December 31. Officials estimate that the improvements could reduce travel and operational time by around 90 minutes.
The flood-damaged Mian Kallar Bridge is expected to be completed within 60 days. Meanwhile, rehabilitation of the railway bridge on the Lahore-Faisalabad route is expected to take two months.
These projects are part of the department’s wider effort to improve railway infrastructure and restore damaged facilities. Meeting the deadlines will be important for improving operations and reducing delays.
Railways sets Rs120 billion revenue target
Pakistan Railways reported record revenue of Rs115.15 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Freight earnings reached around Rs40.8 billion, while passenger revenue exceeded Rs50.5 billion.
For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the department has set a revenue target of Rs120 billion. It aims to earn Rs55 billion from passenger services and Rs42 billion from freight operations.
The outsourcing plan and infrastructure projects are part of the department’s broader effort to improve performance and increase earnings. Their success will depend on timely implementation, effective private-sector participation and better management of railway services.
Pakistan Railways is pursuing several changes at the same time, including outsourcing trains, repairing equipment, improving security and upgrading tracks and bridges. These steps could improve services and reduce operating delays if the department meets its deadlines.
The higher revenue target also shows that the department wants to strengthen its financial performance. However, the actual results will depend on the quality of private operators, the completion of repair work and the reliability of train services.
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