Pakistan Railways has begun outsourcing seven passenger trains to private companies, with auction bids due by February 25.
The trains involved include Hazara Express, Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Sukkur Express, Rawalpindi Express, and Mohenjo Daro Express. This decision aims to enhance passenger services and increase revenue generation but does not constitute privatization.
The outsourcing move comes in tandem with a 5% increase in passenger train fares, effective from February 5, attributed to recent spikes in fuel costs. This fare adjustment affects all ticket classes, including saloon services and the newly outsourced trains.
Further impacting the transportation sector, the federal government adjusted fuel prices, marking a significant rise for the forthcoming fortnight.
Petrol prices have seen a marginal increase of Rs 1 per liter, setting the new rate at Rs. 257.13 per liter. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel has surged by Rs 7 per liter, now priced at Rs 267.95 per liter. These changes reflect the broader economic adjustments facing the nation’s transport services.
