Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the National Assembly on Friday that Pakistan Railways has significantly increased its revenue by outsourcing the commercial management of multiple trains to private contractors.
\nResponding to questions during question hour, he said that through strategic outsourcing and service enhancements, Pakistan Railways\u2019 revenue rose from Rs. 3.36 billion to Rs. 6.21 billion\u2014an impressive 84.71% increase.
\nKayani said the Railways is undertaking multiple initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, punctuality, profitability, and service quality. \u201cDespite persistent challenges, including aging infrastructure, financial constraints, and external economic conditions, significant progress has been made in modernizing infrastructure and enhancing operational management,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The minister highlighted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the improved performance of Pakistan Railways. \u201cOutsourcing catering services, the renovation of dining cars, and value-added services have led to a noticeable improvement in passenger satisfaction,\u201d he said.
\nHe said the introduction of RABTA\u2014a digital platform for integrated services\u2014and the addition of pay-to-use washrooms as measures that have enhanced customer convenience.
\nCatering services and renovations were carried out on key trains, including, Hazara Express (11UP\/12DN) , Khyber Mail (1UP\/2DN), Zakaria Express (25UP\/26DN), Tezgam Express (7UP\/8DN).
\nKayani also informed about upcoming commercial outsourcing for seven more trains, including Karachi Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express, Farid Express, Sukkur Express, Mohenjo Daro Passenger, and Rawalpindi Passenger, to further improve efficiency and revenue generation.<\/p>\n
Bilal Kayani said complimentary services have been introduced in premium trains such as the Shah Hussain Express, Green Line, and Business Express, enhancing the overall passenger experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cPakistan Railways\u2019 punctuality rate has improved from 63% in 2019 to 82% in 2025,\u201d he informed the House.
\nHe attributed this 19% increase to better maintenance and operational efficiency, emphasizing Pakistan Railways\u2019 commitment to reliability and service excellence.
\nDigitalization, automation, and e-ticketing have streamlined operations and improved transparency. The introduction of new locomotives and the refurbishment of passenger coaches are other initiatives undertaken in recent years, he added.
\nRevenue has increased from Rs. 47.58 billion in 2019-20 to Rs. 88.73 billion in 2023-24, reflecting an 86.5% growth. \u201cThis remarkable progress underscores improved governance and service quality across the board,\u201d Kayani said.
\nPakistan Railways is also focusing on strengthening freight operations to increase revenue and achieve financial sustainability.
\nKayani acknowledged that Pakistan Railways operates on an aging 10,633 km track network, posing serious challenges to repair and maintenance. \u201cDelays in maintenance and operational inefficiencies stem largely from this outdated infrastructure,\u201d he said.
\nAmong the completed PSDP projects, the Minister listed immediate track safety works in Karachi and Sukkur Divisions, reconstruction of assets damaged during the 2010 floods, and rehabilitation of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) rail connectivity.
\nOngoing PSDP projects include essential track safety works on the Rohri-Khanpur, Tando Adam-Rohri, Kiamari-Hyderabad, and Khanewal-Shorkot-Faisalabad-Qila Sheikhupura-Shandara sections, among others.
\nFor 2025-26, the Minister announced plans for track rehabilitation between Hyderabad-New Chhor, Rawalpindi-Hasanabdal, Lahore-Lalamusa-Rawalpindi, Shandara-Kala Khatai, and the procurement of track machines for mechanized maintenance.
\n\u201cThe future of Pakistan Railways depends on securing adequate funding, material, machinery, and human resources. Without these essentials, no management practice can deliver effectively,\u201d the Minister added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the National Assembly on Friday that Pakistan Railways has significantly increased its revenue by outsourcing the commercial management of multiple trains to private contractors. Responding to questions during question hour, he said that through strategic outsourcing and service enhancements, Pakistan Railways\u2019 revenue rose from Rs. 3.36 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":468367,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-468355","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n