Pakistan Railways to Hand Over 11 More Passenger Trains to Private Companies

Pakistan Railways is moving fast with its privatisation plan. The department has just invited bids to outsource 11 more passenger trains to private operators. If everything goes as planned, these trains alone should bring in an extra Rs. 8.5 billion a year.

The tenders are already out in the open. Companies have until the deadline to submit their offers.

Why the push for private hands?

The railway has been losing money for years. Passenger trains, in particular, cost significantly more to operate than the ticket revenue they generate. By letting private firms take over operations, the government hopes to cut losses and improve service at the same time.

This is not just about a few trains. It’s part of a bigger plan.

More than just trains

Pakistan Railways wants to get out of running many things that are not core to moving people and goods. The list includes:

• Railway hospitals

• Schools for staff children

• Rest houses

• Dry ports

All of these will soon be managed by private parties too.

Extra revenue from small steps

Even the little things are being looked at. Outsourcing luggage vans and brake vans on existing trains is expected to add Rs. 820 million to the budget.

Two new cargo express trains are also in the pipeline. Once they start running under private management, they should add another Rs. 6.3 billion in yearly earnings.

What passengers can expect

Private operators usually have a strong reason to keep trains clean, on time, and comfortable — they only make money when people want to travel with them. Past examples of outsourced trains in Pakistan have shown better punctuality and cleaner coaches. Many travellers hope the same happens with these 11 trains.

The bottom line

Pakistan Railways is trying to stop the bleed. Instead of pouring more public money into a loss-making system, the plan is to let private companies run services and share the profits. The target is clear: turn red numbers into black, one train at a time.

Suppose the bids come in strong and the new operators deliver. In that case, passengers might finally see cleaner, faster, and more reliable trains, and the railway might stop being a burden on the national budget.

That’s the hope, at least. The tenders are open now, and we’ll soon know who steps up to run these routes.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com