In a landmark initiative, Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to operate 22 passenger trains through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, a move expected to significantly enhance passenger amenities and boost the railway’s revenue.
The decision to adopt the PPP model for these 22 trains aims to leverage private sector expertise and efficiency in managing operations, thus providing passengers with improved travel experiences. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize Pakistan Railways and make it more competitive and passenger-friendly.
The list of trains set to operate under this model includes some of the most popular and frequently traveled routes in the country: Karakoram Express, Karachi Express, Awam Express, Green Line, Mehr Express, Chenab Express, Saman Sarkar Express, Mohenjo Daro Express, Pak Business, Bolan Mail, Thal Express, Sukkur Express, Marvi Express, Chaman Express, Hazara Express, Shalimar Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Kohat Express, Mehran Express, Attock Express, Jand Express, and Rawalpindi Express.
“Our goal is to provide our passengers with the best travel experience. The PPP model will ensure that passengers receive top-notch facilities,” stated Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Amir Ali Baloch in a press release. He emphasized that the collaboration with private entities would bring in new investments, modern management practices, and innovative solutions to long-standing operational challenges.
In line with this new initiative, significant upgrades have been made to the dining cars of these trains, enhancing the overall travel experience. Premium dining services are being introduced on the Tezgam and Zakariya Express trains, and similar improvements are planned for other trains in the fleet. These enhancements are expected to cater to a more diverse range of passenger needs, from casual travelers to business commuters.
Baloch also highlighted the positive feedback received for the newly constructed “executive washrooms” at Lahore Railway Station. These facilities have been well-received by passengers for their cleanliness and modern amenities. Building on this success, Pakistan Railways plans to roll out similar executive washrooms at all major railway stations across the country within the next three months. This move is part of a broader effort to improve station infrastructure and passenger comfort. Overall, the shift to a public-private partnership model represents a significant step forward for Pakistan Railways, promising better services, enhanced passenger satisfaction, and improved operational efficiency.
