Pakistan Railways to Outsource 11 Passenger Trains via Open Auction
Oct 30, 2025
Pakistan Railways has announced plans to outsource 11 passenger trains through a transparent open auction system scheduled for November 20, 2025. The decision aims to improve efficiency and ensure better passenger services.
According to reports, the trains being considered for outsourcing include:
Hazara Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Millat Express, Badar Express, Ghauri Express, Rawal Express, Thal Express, Mohenjodaro Passenger, Farid Express, Mianwali Express, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz Passenger Train.
Officials stated that the previous bidding process faced challenges due to limited participation and lower-than-expected financial offers. The earlier bids for nine trains brought in a total of Rs. 7.9 billion, which the Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, found unsatisfactory.
The minister subsequently canceled the earlier bids and instructed that all future outsourcing be conducted through a transparent and competitive auction to attract credible operators and ensure better service standards.
In addition to passenger trains, Pakistan Railways also plans to outsource cargo bogies, brake vans, and the commercial operations of its associated schools and hospitals to enhance overall performance and revenue generation.
