Pakistan Railways Plans to Outsource 13 Passenger Trains by December
Pakistan Railways plans to complete the outsourcing of commercial operations for 13 passenger trains by December 31, 2026, expanding private-sector participation in selected services.
According to reported ministerial remarks, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has instructed officials to complete the advertising and contract-award process within the deadline. Six trains are already being commercially managed by private operators.
Which Trains Are Listed?
The announced list includes:
- 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
- Tezgam
The final tender documents and awarded contracts will determine the arrangements for each service.
Commercial Management to Move Under Contracts
The plan concerns selected trains’ commercial management, while Pakistan Railways retains control of the wider railway infrastructure and system.
For passengers, the practical effect will depend on the service requirements written into the contracts and how those standards are enforced. The announcement itself does not establish changes to fares, schedules or booking procedures.
Maintenance and Security Work Accelerates
Alongside outsourcing, officials have been directed to restore faulty coaches and wagons and replace defective braking components.
The maintenance programme also includes returning repaired locomotives to service according to prescribed schedules. Vendors responsible for delayed equipment supplies may face blacklisting.
Modern CCTV cameras and private security personnel have been ordered for railway workshops and yards to help prevent theft.
Track Repairs and Revenue Goals
Track renewal in the Sukkur division has a December 31 deadline. Officials expect the work to reduce operational time by approximately 90 minutes.
Flood-damaged railway bridges are also scheduled for rehabilitation, with the Mian Kallar Bridge given a 60-day completion target.
Abbasi has expressed hope that passenger and freight operations will generate around Rs120 billion by the end of the current financial year. That figure remains a revenue ambition, while the outsourcing process and infrastructure work are still being completed.