Lahore:
Pakistan Railways’ plan to outsource passenger trains to the private sector have hit a disadvantage after the government decided that such operations will now only be awarded through open auctions.
The railways had previously called for outsourcing 11 trains and received financial offers for nine of those equivalent to RS7.9 billion. The process included both technical and financial bids, where private companies show great interest in operating the services.
According to details, the highest offers included RS2.62 billion for Hazara Express, RS2.60 billion for Millat Express, RS640 Million to Subak Kharam, RS690 Million for Rawal Express, RS240 Million for Badr Express, RS250 Million to Ghauri Express, RS600 Million to Thal Express, RS8. Faiz Ahmad Faiz Passenge Anderaber and RS111111.2 Million to Ravi Express.
However, no financial bids were made to Bahauddin Zakariya Express and Mohenjo Daro Express.
The final approval of the contracts was pending when a meeting with chairman of Railways Hanif Abbasi decided that outsourcing all passenger trains, including them in the latest round, would instead be through open auctions.
The move has effectively stopped the previous outsourcing process.
