Pakistan Railways to Outsource 13 Passenger Trains by Year-End

LAHORE: The Pakistan Railways (PR) has announced plans to outsource 13 express passenger trains, including the Pak Business service, with a target completion date set for December 31 of this year. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery for passengers.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining railway infrastructure for safe train operations. He stated, “It is the vision of the prime minister as well as mine to make all-out efforts to maintain the railway infrastructure for safe train operation.” Abbasi has directed his officers to ensure that all faulty wagons are repaired and made fit for operation, while also taking action against vendors who have failed to deliver necessary parts on time.

This outsourcing move is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Pakistan Railways, which has faced challenges in recent years. By outsourcing these services, the government hopes to alleviate some of the operational burdens and improve the overall passenger experience, which is crucial for boosting public confidence in the rail system.

As the outsourcing process progresses, officials are expected to finalize contracts and advertisements soon. The minister has also instructed his team to replace faulty brake components to ensure safety standards are met. The commercial operation of six trains is currently ongoing, with further developments anticipated in the coming weeks.