Pakistan Railways has decided to outsource seven more passenger trains to the private sector in a move to improve services and increase revenue.
According to media reports, the bids for the auction of these trains will be accepted until February 25, 2025.
The trains include Hazara Express, Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Sukkur Express, Rawalpindi Express, and Mohenjo Daro Express.
Railway officials clarified that the trains are not being privatized but outsourced to the private sector to improve their services for the passengers, believing that outsourcing will generate higher revenue for the department.
Last month, Pakistan Railways rolled out a new ticket and refund policy for passengers.
Under the updated policy, passengers will be able to receive up to 90 percent of the ticket cost refunded if they cancel their tickets at least 48 hours before the train’s departure.
For tickets purchased through the ‘Rabat’ app, the same refund rules will apply.
Refunds of 80 percent will be available for cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours before departure, while 70 percent will be refunded if the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of departure.
If the cancellation is made within 2 hours after the train’s departure, passengers will receive a 50 percent refund.
