ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways (PR) has initiated the outsourcing of its educational institutions to foster improvements in the quality of education. A formal signing ceremony for this purpose took place in Islamabad today, reported Radio Pakistan.
The event was attended by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, who oversaw the agreements.As part of this move, Railway Boys and Girls School Karachi has been handed over to TYMS Education System, while Railway Girls High School Mughalpura in Lahore and Railway Girls Saint Andrews School and College in Lahore are now managed by SAGE/DAGE Education Pvt. Ltd.
This privatization effort by Pakistan Railways is being carried out under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister. The goal is to modernize the department’s educational facilities and safeguard the rights and interests of railway staff and their children.
Under the new arrangements, private partners will introduce contemporary curricula, adopt innovative teaching techniques, upgrade examination systems, establish fully equipped science and computer labs, and improve sports and overall infrastructure.
In a related development, Pakistan Railways earned Rs 13.547 billion in revenue in October through leasing its land assets—part of a broader strategy to turn the department into a profitable enterprise. Over the past five fiscal years, the department has leased approximately 14,042 acres of railway land for various commercial and agricultural purposes.
An official from the Ministry of Railways explained that these land leases are awarded through open bidding processes, following the Railway Property and Land Rules, 2023, approved by the Federal Cabinet.
The official also mentioned that efforts to boost non-fare revenue are being led by REDAMCO, a subsidiary dedicated to real estate development and marketing.
Additionally, the department is intensifying its anti-encroachment operations to reclaim railway land from illegal occupants, including individuals, groups, and businesses, as part of its nationwide land recovery efforts.
