Outsourcing trains in tough conditions

Pakistan Railways (PR) is looking to outsource the commercial operation of 22 more trains. However, previous experiences, such as a leading firm’s failure to run the Business Express due to financial constraints, raise concerns about the possibility of the plan’s success. Additionally, another firm stopped operating the Bahauddin Zakaria Express (Multan-Karachi-Multan) for administrative, financial and technical reasons. In the latest development, PR has decided to readvertise tenders to outsource trains. This decision was made as only three companies participated and showed interest, offering less than the benchmarked amount. The department found it impossible to proceed with these three firms under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and regulations. As a result, the tenders will be floated again soon.