ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource seven more trains to the private sector to provide better travel facilities for passengers.
According to a newspaper report, these trains include Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Sukkur Express, Mohenjo Daro Express, Rawalpindi Passenger, and Hazara Express.
Railway officials clarified that these trains will not be sold to private companies but outsourced. This step aims to provide better facilities to passengers and increase the railway’s revenue.
Due to delays in document preparation, the deadline for submitting bids has been extended.
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The report states that financial and technical bids from private companies will now be received until February 25. On the same day, technical bids will be reviewed. Financial bids will only be opened for qualified companies.
Report say this move will not only offer better services to passengers but also bring transparency and efficiency to the railway system.
Recently, Pakistan Railways announced a 5 percent fare hike, which took effect on February 5. This increase was due to rising petroleum prices and applies to all ticket classes, including salon services and outsourced trains.