Lahore, July 17, 2025 —
Pakistan Railways is preparing to reintroduce the Pak Business Express, a once-ambitious public-private partnership (PPP) project that originally launched in 2012 but collapsed due to mismanagement, bureaucratic hurdles, and institutional resistance. The newly refurbished train, which will run on the Lahore-Karachi route, is set to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in the coming days.
Designed to meet modern travel standards, the train now features upgraded coaches, Wi-Fi connectivity, comfortable berths, and enhanced catering services. Officials claim this is more than just a facelift—it’s a renewed attempt to deliver sustainable, high-quality service to the public.
“We have invested heavily in upgrading this train to meet international standards,” said a senior official of Pakistan Railways. “This is not just cosmetic change; we are committed to making it a sustainable success.”
The Rise and Fall of a ‘Game-Changer’
Launched in February 2012, Pak Business Express was the first privately operated passenger train in Pakistan, born from a partnership between Pakistan Railways and the Four Brothers Group. The private firm was responsible for on-board services and coach refurbishment, while PR provided locomotives and infrastructure. At the time, the project was hailed as a landmark effort to ease the financial burden on the ailing railway system.
But the optimism didn’t last long. Bureaucratic infighting, lack of institutional support, and poor financial management from the private partner turned the venture into a cautionary tale.
“Many within the railway bureaucracy saw the private sector as a threat,” said a retired PR official. “Operational roadblocks were deliberate, and the partnership suffered.”
On the other side, Four Brothers Group struggled to honor its commitments. Delayed payments to PR, declining service standards, and a hostile environment led to legal disputes and ultimately, the termination of the contract in 2015. Pakistan Railways retook control, and the train became a symbol of how PPPs can fail without accountability and trust.
PPP Lessons Still Unlearnt?
Over the years, Pakistan Railways has experimented with various PPP models through trains like Shalimar Express, Karakoram Express, and Green Line Express, but most either failed or reverted to government control. Reasons include payment issues, weak contract enforcement, and institutional friction.
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Currently, nine trains operate under PPP mode, with plans to outsource 11 more. However, experts remain skeptical about whether the organization has learned from its mistakes.
“The infrastructure may look new, but the mindset is old,” warned transport analyst Zubair Sheikh. “Without enforceable contracts and clear operational protocols, this will be another repeat of the past.”
Public Expectations vs Reality
Many commuters fondly remember the initial days of Pak Business Express. “It felt like flying on tracks,” said Asad Khan, a frequent traveler from Lahore. But he, like many others, is now cautious.
“Fares are high, and train derailments are common. It’s difficult for the average Pakistani to afford these ‘premium’ experiences regularly,” Khan added.
The Way Forward
For Pak Business Express to succeed, Pakistan Railways must resolve internal conflicts, enforce strong governance, and establish transparency in its dealings with private operators. The re-launch offers a fresh opportunity—but whether it can overcome its historical baggage remains to be seen.