Pakistan Railways has outsourced the commercial management of 14 trains to private parties under the public-private partnership (PPP) through a fair and transparent bidding process. The objective behind outsourcing the trains is to provide better facilities to passengers and generate more revenue for the Railways Department, according to information available with WealthPK.

Pakistan Railways has privatised the trains including Mehr Express, Fareed Express, Faiz Ahmad Faiz Express, Mehran Express, Sir Syed Express, Badar Express, Ghauri Express, Mianwali Express, Mohenjo Daro Express, Thal Express, Tezgam, Subak Kharam, Rawal Express and Ravi Express. These trains have been awarded according to a transparent procedure of tendering under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules through advertisement in the leading newspapers.

Only those trains whose bids had been received over and above the Pakistan Railways earnings were awarded. The trains had been awarded with the objective to increase earnings and reduce losses for Pakistan Railways, improve cleanness and provide better travelling and food facilities to passengers.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk