Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource seven passenger trains to the private sector, Bids for the train auctions will be accepted until February 25.
The seven trains—Hazara Express, Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Sukkur Express, Rawalpindi Express, and Mohenjo Daro Express—will be handed over to private operators. However, railway authorities clarified that the trains will not be privatized but outsourced to enhance passenger services and increase revenue.
Read more: Pakistan Railways Raises Ticket Prices Again
Additionally, Pakistan Railways announced a 5% fare hike for passenger express trains starting February 5, citing rising fuel costs. The increase will apply to all ticket classes, saloon services, and outsourced trains.
This decision follows the federal government’s adjustment of petrol and diesel prices, raising petrol by Rs 1 to Rs 257.13 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs 7 to Rs 267.95 per litre.
