Sindh Governor Inaugurates Upgraded Awam Express With Dining Car on Karachi–Peshawar Route

Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi on Monday inaugurated the upgraded Karachi–Peshawar Awam Express, which now runs under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The relaunch marks an effort to modernise services on one of Pakistan's longest rail routes.

The refurbished train features modern passenger facilities, and a dedicated dining car has been added to provide food and refreshments throughout the journey. According to the governor, the dining car will make long-distance travel more convenient by giving passengers easier access to meals and beverages.

Hashmi described the initiative as a practical step toward modernising Pakistan Railways and improving passenger services. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to offering better-quality and comfortable travel facilities to the public, and that operating the Awam Express with private-sector collaboration reflects that vision.

The governor called public-private cooperation in the railway sector a welcome development, saying it could help modernise the system and improve service delivery. He emphasised that stronger coordination between the public and private sectors can play an important role in upgrading railway operations.

Quality, safe and affordable transport remains a key government priority, Hashmi added. The upgraded Awam Express is expected to offer travellers on the Karachi–Peshawar corridor a more comfortable experience as Pakistan Railways continues to pursue partnership-based improvements.

The inauguration comes as rail authorities look to private participation to address service quality and passenger comfort on key intercity routes, with the Awam Express serving as an early example of the PPP model in passenger operations.