Pakistan Railways has achieved a major milestone by completing what officials describe as the most successful outsourcing initiative in its history. The commercial management of five passenger trains has been handed over to private partners under public-private partnership agreements worth Rs10.75 billion, significantly higher than the approximately Rs8 billion these trains were previously generating.
Under the new arrangement, the Awam Express, Millat Express, and Karakoram Express will operate through public-private partnerships aimed at improving service quality, operational efficiency, and passenger experience. In addition, the Mianwali Passenger and Narowal Passenger trains have also been outsourced to private operators, with plans to introduce better facilities and enhanced customer services.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi praised the Chief Commercial Manager (CCM) and the commercial team for successfully completing the landmark outsourcing process. He described the achievement as a significant step toward transforming Pakistan Railways into a more efficient and financially sustainable organization.
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The minister also highlighted the success of freight train outsourcing initiatives, which are expected to generate more than Rs10 billion in revenue during the upcoming financial year. According to him, the growing role of private sector participation is helping Pakistan Railways unlock new revenue streams while reducing operational challenges.
Hanif Abbasi expressed confidence that Pakistan Railways is on track to achieve more than Rs100 billion in annual revenue for the first time in its history during the current fiscal year. He said continuous efforts are being made to modernize railway operations, improve passenger services, and strengthen the organization’s financial performance.
The latest outsourcing agreements reflect the government’s broader strategy of leveraging public-private partnerships to improve transportation services across the country. Railway officials believe the move will not only boost revenue but also enhance service standards, offering passengers a more reliable and comfortable travel experience in the years ahead.
