Sir Syed Express train suspended as plans to outsource seven trains continue

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways announced yesterday (Tuesday) that Sir Syed Express train services have been suspended. The reason for the suspension is being given to be withdrawal of a private sector company running the train’s operations. The update comes, amid Punjab government’s plans to outsource seven more trains to the private sector.

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According to some news reports, Ras Logistics has refused to continue to operate Sir Syed Express train due to sharp decline in revenues. The company also conveyed concerns to the government about Shah Hussain Express train – another service being launched on the same route as Sir Syed Express. The company said that with a second train serving the same route, their revenues will fall even further.

Reportedly, Shah Hussain Express will be starting operations from today. The route – earlier served by Sir Syed Express and now Shah Hussain Express – goes between Lahore and Karachi. The train also covers Faisalabad, Khanewal, Lodhran, Bhawalpur, Rohro and Hyderabad on its path. The new train service offers two air conditioned business class coaches and 10 economy class coaches.

OUTSOURCING PLANS

The decision to suspend Sir Syed Express train and the revenue concerns of the private sector company come amid the provincial government’s plans to outsource seven more trains.

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Yesterday (February 25), three private companies submitted bids to Pakistan Railways for four passenger trains. However, three passenger trains, including Bahauddin Zakaria, Mohenjo Daro and Rawalpindi Passenger Train failed to attract any bids.

The tender committee said that if the bids exceed the benchmark set by the Pakistan Railways, the commercial management of the trains will be outsourced.