Summary Pakistan Railways will auction 15 trains for private operation on June 16, seeking greater private sector participation despite limited interest in previous outsourcing efforts.
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource 15 additional trains as part of its efforts to expand private sector participation in railway operations.
The department has formally advertised the initiative and announced that the auction process will be held on June 16 at Railway Headquarters in Lahore.
The trains will be offered to eligible companies through an open bidding process.
According to reports, several private firms have been declared eligible to participate in the auction.
The trains selected for outsourcing include 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 Train, Sialkot Express and Faiz Ahmed Faiz Passenger.
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 attracted no interest from companies.
Sources further revealed that one company which had acquired Mianwali Express under an earlier outsourcing arrangement later returned the train, citing various operational reasons.
The latest move reflects Pakistan Railways’ continued efforts to improve services and operational efficiency through collaboration with the private sector.
