ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has issued a tender, allowing national and international firms to use several passenger trains and railway platforms to maximize revenue for the department.
According to department sources, all preparations for the branding of trains and platforms, railway stations, certain crossings, and trains have also been finalized on Friday. It went on to say that branding the trains and platforms will not only cover Pakistan Railways’ growing deficit but would also permit private companies to market their products for the same purpose.
As a pilot project, Pakistan Railways said that it would offer 5 trains for branding their seat covers, internal walls of passenger coaches, and even restrooms. They also stated that the department’s deficit would be reduced once the project is launched, and the minister has already directed the department in question to complete the required formalities immediately. Advertisers will also have access to the parking area, platforms, staircases, bridges, and other infrastructure at Lahore Railway Station, according to the sources.
It is not the first time Pakistan Railways has tried to monetize its assets in order to generate revenue. In addition, in 2014, the PR began a pilot project to provide firms with branding opportunities to companies across the seat covers, internal walls of passenger coaches, and toilets on the Tezgam, Awaam Express, and Khyber Mail. However, the initiative was not successful. According to the sources, the initiative seeks to overcome the challenges encountered by its predecessor by taking a grand approach to the issue.
