Pakistan Railway on Tuesday decided to suspend second VVIP train Sir Syed Express after a private firm M/s Ras Logistics refused to operate the train due to decline in revenue, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to sources, that management of M/s Ras Logistics expressed fear for financial loss after authorities announced to start Shah Hussain Express on the same route.
Pakistan Railways headquarters already issued a notification on behalf of the private firm while on the other hand, Shah Hussain Expressed will start its operations from today. The train will run between Lahore to Karachi.
Earlier on February 9, 2025, Pakistan Railway announced to privatize seven passenger trains to enhance quality and to provide best facilities to its passengers.
These seven passenger trains will be privatized through an open bidding process.
The private companies who will qualify for technical bids will be eligible to participate in opening financial bidding.
Due to delay in preparation of bidding documents all the interested parties were informed to submit their final bids till February 25, 2025.
The trains which will be handed over to private sector includes Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Sukkur Express, Mohenjo Daro Express and Rawalpindi Passenger train.
Reporter: Saeed Ahmad Saeed