Karachi:
In a final development, Pakistan Railways has launched the outsourcing process of 11 additional trains, which will now work as part of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Critics, however, argued that the move openly aimed at improving railway services could in fact be a ticket for exclusion for low -income passengers who are based strongly on inexpensive interurban transport modes.
While railway officials claim that outsourcing will improve the quality of services, civil society representatives have expressed profound concerns about the movement, which can lead to increased tariffs, creating difficulties in disadvantaged masses. It should be noted that railway trips to Pakistan are always considered a popular low -market transport mode for poor groups and the middle class. According to estimates, around 100,000 people travel daily by trains, mainly on the main railways between Karachi and various cities of Punjab.
A passenger, Muhabbat Ali, who frequently traveled from Larkana to Karachi on the Mohenjo-Daro Express, revealed that although various bus operators operated on this road, he preferred to travel by train because of the reasonable price and the relatively comfortable trip.
Malik Tanveer Awan, an employee based in Karachi, revealed that he frequently went to Punjab by train. “Although a slight increase in dishes may not affect employees, even an increase in minor prices could seriously have an impact on workers who go from Punjab to Karachi for work. Pakistani railways should reserve economic coaches on PPP trains without hiking, ensuring accessibility for low -income passengers,” Awan asked.
According to Sources de l’Express PK Press Club, Pakistan Railways is currently operating a total of 47 trains, 11 of which have already been outsourced, while 11 others are offered for public-private operation. According to Pakistan Railways Administration, the outsourced trains include Bolan Mail (Karachi in Quetta), Hazara Express (Karachi in Havelian), Khushhal Khan Khattak Express (Karachi in Peshawar), Bahawal Din Zakariya Express (Karachi in Multan), Shalimar Express (Karachi to Lahore). Ghazi Khan in Lahore), Thal Express (Multan in Rawalpindi), Mehran Express (Karachi in Mirpurkhas), Mohenjo Daro Passenger (Kotri in Rohri) and Rawalpindi Express (Havelian in Rawalpindi).
According to Zahid Farooq, an urban planning expert at the Urban Resource Center (URC), trains are always a preferred mode of transport for the work class, so any increase in prices will disproportionately affect this segment. “Pakistan Railways’ decision to hand over more trains for private operators will gradually reduce government control over railways. Services.
Hamid Qureshi, divisional commercial officer (DCO) of the Pakistani railways in Karachi, told L’Express PK Press Club that in the PPP model, prices increases of more than 10% were not authorized. “Consequently, we can expect an increase in minor dishes, but in return, passenger services will be improved.
