Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource several passenger trains under a new operational framework aimed at improving efficiency and revenue generation. According to an official advertisement released by the department, 11 trains will be offered through an open auction instead of the previous bidding system.
The trains to be outsourced include Hazara Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Millat Express, Badar Express, Ghouri Express, Rawal Express, Thal Express, Mohenjo Daro Passenger, Fareed Express, Mianwali Express, and Faiz Ahmad Faiz Passenger Train.
Railway authorities announced that the open auction will take place on November 20, allowing private operators to participate in a transparent process. This marks a major shift from the earlier financial bid system, which had attracted offers worth Rs 7.9 billion from the private sector for the operation of nine trains.
However, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi canceled all previous financial bids, directing that future outsourcing will be conducted exclusively through open auctions to ensure transparency, competition, and public confidence.
Officials say the new system will not only bring greater efficiency and better service quality for passengers but also help Pakistan Railways reduce losses and modernize its operations through public-private collaboration.