Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource operations of 11 passenger trains through an open auction to enhance efficiency, modernize services, and boost revenue. This new method replaces the earlier bidding system, which received a limited number of applicants.
The 11 trains to be offered under the new system include Hazara Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Millat Express, Badar Express, Ghouri Express, Rawal Express, Thal Express, Mohenjo Daro Passenger, Fareed Express, Mianwali Express, and Faiz Ahmad Faiz Passenger Train. The auction is scheduled for November 20, 2025.
Railway officials explained that the previous system faced challenges, as financial bids for some trains were low and participation limited. For instance, financial bids totaling Rs 7.9 billion were received for nine trains earlier, but the Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, canceled all bids and directed that future outsourcing be conducted via open auctions.
In addition to passenger trains, Pakistan Railways is also planning to outsource commercial management of luggage, brake vans, and associated schools and hospitals, as part of a broader strategy to modernize operations and increase revenue.
