Pakistan Railways will restart the Babu Passenger from August 20 and the Sandal Express from August 21, according to reports on Wednesday. Both of these services have remained suspended for several years.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced the decision. He said that the trains are being restored after many requests from passengers. He added that the move will also help improve the railway network.
The Babu Passenger will run between Lahore and Lala Musa from August 20. The Sandal Express will start running between Multan and Sargodha through Jhang from August 21. Both train services were stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abbasi further said that the Pakistan Railways plans to restore more train services later this year. He also said work will continue to improve facilities for passengers in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Pakistan Railways hires private operators
Pakistan Railways has handed over the commercial operations of five passenger trains to a private company under a new agreement.
Railway officials said the agreement is worth Rs10.75 billion. They said that the purpose of the move is to increase annual revenue and improve services for passengers.
According to the officials, giving the trains to private operators will help Pakistan Railways earn more profit. They also said passengers will receive better facilities and improved services.
The five trains included in the agreement are Awam Express, Millat Express, Karakoram Express, Mianwali Passenger and Narowal Passenger. These trains will now run under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Railway officials said private sector involvement is expected to improve train operations, raise service standards and provide a better travel experience.
They added that the new system will also help improve train maintenance, onboard facilities and customer service.
Previously, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi had announced that the Awam Express will be relaunched before Eid ul Azha 2026 after being upgraded with new facilities.
According to the minister, the Awam Express now has a modern interior and more comfortable seats. Its schedule has also been changed to reduce travel time to Karachi. Better food and improved cleanliness arrangements have also been introduced for passengers.
Abbasi said the government wants to provide safe and better quality travel services. He added that Pakistan Railways plans to launch one “prime train” from every major city to encourage more people to travel by train and reduce traffic on roads.