LAHORE: In a major development, Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to operate 22 passenger trains on the public-private partnership model.

The decision aims to provide better facilities to train passengers and enhance railway’s revenue.

The trains to be operated under the public-private partnership model include the Karakoram Express, Karachi Express, Awam Express, Green Line, Mehr Express, Chenab Express, Saman Sarkar Express, Mohenjo Daro Express, Pak Business, Bolan Mail, Thal Express, Sukkur Express, Marvi Express, Chaman Express, Hazara Express, Shalimar Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Kohat Express, Mehran Express, Attock Express, Jand Express and Rawalpindi Express.

“We aim to provide our passengers with the best travel experience. The PPP model will ensure that passengers receive top-notch facilities,” says Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Amir Ali Baloch in a statement.

He mentioned that the dining cars have been upgraded, and premium dining cars will be added to Tezgam and Zakariya Express trains, along with some others.

Baloch says “executive washrooms” constructed at the Lahore Railway Station have been well-received by passengers, adding that similar washrooms will be made functional at all major stations within the next three months.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2024