Rehan Shahid 
Sep 21, 2025
Pakistan Railways (PR) has officially announced plans to outsource several passenger and express trains through an open auction, promoting transparency through a competitive bidding process.
During a high-level meeting, Railways Minister Muhmmad Hanif Abbasi said: “We have decided to outsource commercial management of our trains through an open auction, as this model provides an opportunity for most parties to participate in the competitive bidding.”
Notably, the decision will also be applicable for the ongoing process of outsourcing nine passenger trains for which the railway management has been asked to reevaluate the process and implement an open auction model.
On the other hand, existing contracts will be reviewed under the new outsourcing plan, while annual revenue targets for passenger trains will also be revised. The minister has formed a special committee to oversee the process, aiming to avoid any mishap.
To improve the safety of travellers, the Safety Department has been upgraded to the status of a Directorate, with new staff and officers appointed.
The railways minister highlighted the importance of staff welfare, ordering immediate improvements to rest houses for guards and drivers in Rohri, Khanpur, and Khanewal, including air-conditioned kitchens and dining facilities.
On the freight side, the minister confirmed that 295 high-capacity waggons will be added by March 30, with freight booking fully shifting to an online platform next week.
For passengers, new AC Standard and AC Parlour coaches are being launched on the Shalimar Express, while refurbished coaches for the Lahore–Rawalpindi railcars will be launched by November 11.
With these reforms, the minister aims to bring visible advancements in both freight and passenger services, making Pakistan Railways more efficient, transparent, and passenger-friendly.
