Pakistan Railways Revives Plan to Outsource 11 Trains

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Pakistan Railways has relaunched its proposal to outsource 11 passenger trains operating from Lahore in a move aimed at improving service efficiency and reducing financial losses.

Pakistan Railways (PR) has revived its plan to outsource 11 passenger trains operating from Lahore, aiming to enhance service quality, cut operational losses, and bring in private-sector efficiency. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize and improve the national transport system.

The move comes as Pakistan Railways continues to struggle with financial challenges, inefficient operations, and declining passenger satisfaction. According to PR officials, the outsourcing plan is designed to reduce the burden on the state-run service while giving passengers a better travel experience through improved cleanliness, punctuality, and onboard facilities.

Under this plan, private firms will be invited to manage these trains under a public-private partnership model. The companies will be responsible for running the train services, including staffing, ticketing, and customer service, while PR will retain ownership and control of the railway infrastructure. Revenue will be shared between PR and the private operators based on pre-agreed terms.

The outsourcing proposal had been introduced earlier but was delayed due to administrative and political hurdles. However, the current leadership has put the project back on track, signaling a renewed commitment to reform. The goal is not to privatize the railway but to make its operations more efficient and customer-focused.

Officials from Pakistan Railways believe that involving the private sector could significantly improve train services, particularly on routes where performance has suffered in recent years. The trains selected for outsourcing include some of the most frequently used services departing from Lahore, a key rail hub in the country.