LAHORE:
Pakistan Railways’s plan to outsource passenger trains to the private sector has affected a problem after the government decided that such operations will now be granted only through open auctions.
The railroads had invited the offers to subcontract 11 trains, receiving financial offers for nine of them ascending to RS7.9 billion. The process included technical and financial offers, with private companies that show great interest in managing services.
According to the details, the highest offers included RS2.62 billion for Haza Express, RS2.60 billion for Millat Express, RS640 million for Subak Kharam, RS690 million for Rawal Express, RS240 million for Badr Express, RS250 million for Ghauri Express, RS600 million for Thal Express, RS86.5 million for FAIZ AHMAD FMAD F TAIN FAIZ FAIZ AND RS16 billion RS600 million for Thal Express, RS86.5 million for Faiz Ahmad FMAD FMAD FAIZ FUITENT Y RS161TA RS16 MILLOS. Millions for Ravi Express.
However, there were no financial offers for Bahauddin Zakariya Express and Mohenjo Daro Express.
The final approval of the contracts was pending when a meeting chaired by the Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi decided that the subcontracting of all passenger trains, including those of the last round, would be held through open auctions.
The movement has effectively stagnated the previous outsourcing process.
