Pakistan Railways to Outsource 11 More Trains. Pakistan Railways is moving forward with a major restructuring plan as the government has approved outsourcing 11 additional passenger trains. This strategic shift aims to improve services, reduce financial pressure, and boost annual revenue for the national railway system.
According to officials who briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, tenders for all 11 trains have already been floated. This marks a significant expansion after the successful outsourcing of four trains earlier this year.
Why Pakistan Railways Is Outsourcing More Trains
Pakistan Railways has been struggling with rising operational costs, old infrastructure, and service inefficiencies. Officials believe that involving private companies will help:
- Improve customer service and punctuality
- Reduce administrative expenses
- Increase overall revenue
- Modernize operations without burdening the government budget
The railways expect the outsourcing of 11 new trains to bring in Rs. 8.5 billion in additional income.
More Railway Assets Being Shifted to Private Management
The restructuring plan goes far beyond passenger trains. During the briefing, officials confirmed that multiple railway assets are also being outsourced to improve performance and reduce government expenses.
Assets Now Being Outsourced
- Railway Hospitals in:
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Multan
- Peshawar
- Quetta
- Sukkur
- Educational Institutions:
Schools and colleges belonging to Pakistan Railways are already in the process of moving to private management. - Railway Rest Houses:
These facilities are also being handed over to private operators to improve maintenance and revenue generation. - Dry Ports:
- Islamabad
- Lahore
- Azakhail
Revenue From Luggage Vans and Cargo Trains
Officials also highlighted two major income-generating decisions:
1. Luggage & Brake Vans
Pakistan Railways plans to outsource 40 luggage and brake vans, a move expected to generate Rs. 820 million.
2. Cargo Express Trains
The outsourcing process for two major cargo express trains is underway. Once completed, these trains could bring in an additional Rs. 6.3 billion.
This indicates that freight transport—one of the biggest revenue streams for Pakistan Railways—is becoming a central focus of the reform strategy.
What This Means for Passengers
For the public, the outsourcing model is expected to bring:
- More comfortable coaches
- Better time management
- Improved cleanliness and services
- Competitive ticketing systems
- Enhanced customer experience
While concerns remain about fare increases under private operators, authorities claim that the government will maintain regulatory oversight to protect passengers’ interests.
Conclusion
Pakistan Railways’ decision to outsource 11 more trains marks a major step toward modernization and financial stability. With tenders issued and multiple assets already moving to private management, the national rail network aims to increase its revenue by billions while improving passenger services. If implemented effectively, this strategy could reshape Pakistan’s railway system for a more efficient and sustainable future.
