Pakistan Railways Plans to Outsource Four Passenger Trains
Pakistan Railways is preparing to transfer the operations of four major passenger trains to the private sector during October as part of efforts to improve efficiency and strengthen revenue generation.
The trains included in the outsourcing plan are Millat Express, Awam Express, Mianwali Express, and Karakoram Express.
The decision was discussed during a meeting in Lahore chaired by Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. The session focused on the department’s operational performance, administrative matters, security, and plans for improving railway services.
During the meeting, the minister instructed railway authorities to enhance security at workshops and railway yards. Officials were directed to install modern CCTV surveillance systems and consider the deployment of private security personnel at sensitive locations.
Abbasi also emphasized the need for advance planning across railway operations to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
The minister ordered action against private vendors whose delays affect the timely delivery of goods. Such vendors are to be blacklisted where necessary.
A strict policy was also announced against the theft of railway scrap and spare parts. Abbasi directed relevant departments and stakeholders to coordinate closely to ensure that the revenue targets for the current financial year are achieved.
Officials were further instructed to return locomotives undergoing maintenance to operational service within their निर्धारित timelines.
The railway minister stressed that the quality of repair and maintenance work must not be compromised. He warned that officials found negligent in carrying out their responsibilities could face legal action.
Abbasi also directed the department to immediately outsource brake and luggage vans under a standardized policy.
The planned outsourcing of the four passenger trains is part of broader efforts by Pakistan Railways to improve management, operational performance, security, and financial returns.
