Lahore:
The Pakistan railway plan to outsource passenger trains to the private sector struck a hook after the government has decided that such operations will now be allocated by open auctions.
The railways had previously invited the offers to outsource 11 trains, receiving financial offers for nine of them amounting to 7.9 billion rupees. The process included technical and financial offers, private companies showing great interest in managing services.
According to details, the highest offers included 2.62 billion rupees for Hazara Express, 2.60 billion rupees for Millat Express, 640 million rupees for Subak Kharam, 690 million rupees for Ghauri Express, 600 million rupees for Thal Express Ravi Express.
However, no financial offer was submitted for Bahauddin Zakariya Express and Mohenjo Daro Express.
The final approval of the contracts was underway when a meeting chaired by the Minister of Railway Hanif Abbasi decided that the outsourcing of all passenger trains, including those of the last round, would be placed in place by open auctions.
This decision effectively blocked the previous outsourcing process.
