ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has announced the suspension of the Sir Syed Express service running from Karachi to Rawalpindi, effective Tuesday.
According to railway officials, the train will be suspended starting Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after completing its final journey. The Sir Syed Express was operated by Ras Logistics under a third-party contract.
In addition to the Sir Syed Express, Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource seven more passenger trains. These trains include the Hazara Express, Karachi Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Sukkur Express, Moen Jo Daro Express, and Rawalpindi Passenger Train.
Railway officials stated that the deadline for bid submissions has been extended due to delays in document preparation. Financial and technical bids for the seven passenger trains will now be received on February 25. Only the financial bids of firms that qualify in the technical bidding process will be opened.
ALSO READ
Karachi-Lahore Shah Hussain Express train to restart operations from Feb 25, 2025
The Sir Syed Express was revived in September last year and operated under a public-private partnership. The train consisted of one AC sleeper, three AC business coaches, one AC standard coach, eight economy coaches, and a dining car.
It offered special amenities for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, quality food services, water supply, and cleanliness. Tickets for the train could also be purchased from home through mobile applications.
Railway officials emphasized that the decision to outsource these trains, including the suspension of the Sir Syed Express, aims to improve the railway system and provide better facilities to passengers.
