Pakistan Railways has decided to suspend the Sir Syed Express after the private firm M/s Ras Logistics opted out of operating the train due to declining revenue. The company cited financial concerns, particularly following the introduction of the Shah Hussain Express on the same route.
The railway headquarters has already issued a notification regarding the suspension. Meanwhile, Shah Hussain Express is set to begin operations today, running between Lahore and Karachi.
Earlier this month, Pakistan Railways announced plans to privatize seven passenger trains to improve service quality. The process will be conducted through open bidding, allowing private companies that pass technical evaluations to compete in financial bidding.
The privatization process faced delays due to the preparation of bidding documents, and interested firms were given until February 25, 2025, to submit final bids.
The trains set to be handed over to private operators include Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Sukkur Express, Mohenjo Daro Express, and Rawalpindi Passenger Train.