Pakistan Railways has announced plans to outsource 15 passenger and express trains as part of efforts to improve operations and attract private sector participation.
The decision was approved during a meeting held at the Railways Headquarters in Lahore, according to official sources.
Authorities said the outsourcing plan includes several well-known passenger and express services operating across the country.
The trains included in the list are Hazara Express, Awam Express, Karachi Express, Millat Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Farid Express, Karakoram Express, Ravi Express, and Lasani Express.
Other trains selected for outsourcing include Thal Express, Sukkur Express, Mianwali Express, Sialkot Express, Faiz Ahmad Faiz Express, and Narowal Passenger Train.
Officials directed interested companies and private parties to submit their bids by May 25, 2026.
The move is part of broader efforts by Pakistan Railways to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance through private sector involvement.
Sources familiar with the matter said previous outsourcing attempts faced several challenges and could not succeed.
According to officials, earlier efforts were affected by policy issues and administrative inefficiencies within the railway department.
Private sector companies also reportedly expressed concerns over financial benchmarks and conditions set during earlier outsourcing plans.
Some companies believed the requirements exceeded realistic annual revenue expectations, which discouraged participation.
Now, railway commercial officials are making another attempt to attract private investment and improve train operations through revised strategies.
Officials hope the new outsourcing process will help modernize passenger services and reduce operational burdens on the railway department.
Pakistan Railways has faced financial and operational difficulties for several years, including maintenance challenges, delays, and rising operational costs.
Authorities believe private sector participation may help improve service standards and provide better facilities to passengers.
However, some analysts say the success of the outsourcing initiative will depend on transparent bidding, realistic contract terms, and effective monitoring mechanisms.
Passenger groups have also shown interest in whether the outsourcing process will lead to better punctuality, cleaner coaches, and improved onboard services.
The railway department has not yet shared complete operational details regarding how the outsourced trains will function under private management.
Officials stated that further information regarding contracts, routes, and operational responsibilities may be released after the bidding process is completed.
Pakistan Railways remains one of the country’s largest public transport networks, connecting major cities and remote areas through passenger and freight services.
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The latest outsourcing initiative is being viewed as another important attempt to improve the long-term performance and sustainability of the railway sector in Pakistan.
