Karachi-Peshawar Awam Express gets upgrade under Public-Private Partnership
KARACHI (News Desk): Pakistan Railways has introduced an upgraded rake and a new dining car for the Karachi-Peshawar Awam Express under a public-private partnership initiative, marking another step towards improving passenger facilities through private-sector participation.
Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi inaugurated the upgraded train service, describing the initiative as a practical manifestation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of providing better, safer and quality transportation facilities to the public.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the governor said the upgraded Awam Express would offer passengers a more comfortable travel experience on one of the country’s key railway routes connecting Karachi with Peshawar.
The newly upgraded rake has been equipped with modern passenger facilities, while a dedicated dining car has also been introduced to improve food and refreshment services during the journey.
Hashmi said the addition of the dining car would provide passengers with better access to food and beverages, making long-distance travel more convenient.
He described the involvement of the private sector in railway operations as a welcome development, saying public-private partnerships could play an important role in modernising the railway system and improving service delivery.
“The Awam Express operating through private-sector collaboration is a practical manifestation of the prime minister’s vision,” the governor said.
He added that providing affordable, safe and quality transportation facilities remained among the government’s priorities.
The initiative comes amid continued efforts to improve Pakistan Railways’ operational performance and passenger services through greater private-sector involvement.
The introduction of upgraded rolling stock and additional onboard facilities is expected to improve the overall travel experience for passengers travelling between the country’s largest commercial centre and its northwestern regions.
However, the long-term success of the initiative will depend not only on upgraded coaches and dining facilities but also on operational efficiency, punctuality, maintenance standards and affordability for ordinary passengers.
Public-private partnerships are increasingly being viewed as a potential avenue for improving public-sector services by bringing in private investment, operational expertise and better management practices.
The Awam Express initiative will therefore be an important test of whether such collaboration can translate into sustainable improvements in passenger comfort and service quality across Pakistan’s railway network.