Pakistan Railways to outsource 15 additional trains

Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource 15 additional trains as part of its ongoing efforts to increase private sector participation and improve railway operations across the country. The department has officially announced the initiative and scheduled the auction process for June 16 at the Railway Headquarters in Lahore.

Under the plan, the selected trains will be offered to eligible private companies through an open bidding process. Officials said several firms have already qualified to participate in the auction.

The trains included in the outsourcing programme are Hazara Express, Awam Express, Karakoram Express, Karachi Express, Millat Express, Fareed Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Ravi Express, Lasani Express, Thal Express, Mianwali Express, Sukkur Express, Narowal Passenger, Sialkot Express and Faiz Ahmed Faiz Passenger.

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Pakistan Railways has previously attempted to outsource train operations through open auctions. However, the response from the private sector remained limited, with bids submitted for only a few services, while several trains failed to attract any interest. Sources said that one company that had earlier acquired Mianwali Express under an outsourcing arrangement later returned the train due to operational challenges.

Officials believe the latest initiative could help improve service quality, operational efficiency and passenger facilities through greater collaboration with the private sector. The move reflects Pakistan Railways’ continued efforts to modernize its operations and reduce administrative burdens by bringing private companies into the railway system.