Latest news with #Public-PrivatePartnership
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Railways privatisation hits low-income commuters
In a latest development, Pakistan Railways has initiated the process of outsourcing 11 more trains, which will now operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Critics, however, have argued that the move overtly aimed at improving railway services might actually be a ticket to exclusion for the low-income passengers relying heavily on cheap modes of inter-city transportation. While railway officials claim that outsourcing will improve the quality of services, civil society representatives have expressed deep concerns over the move, which may lead to increased fares, creating difficulties for the underprivileged masses. It is worth noting that railway travel in Pakistan is still considered a popular mode of cheap transportation for the poor and middle-class groups. According to estimates, around 100,000 people travel daily by trains, mostly on major railway routes between Karachi and various cities in Punjab. A passenger, Muhabbat Ali, who frequently travelled from Larkana to Karachi on the Mohenjo-Daro Express, revealed that although various bus operators were operating on this route, he preferred traveling by train due to the reasonable fare and comparatively comfortable journey. Malik Tanveer Awan, a Karachi-based employee, revealed that he frequently travelled to Punjab by train. "While a slight fare increase may not affect salaried individuals, even a minor fare hike could seriously impact labourers who travel from Punjab to Karachi for work. Pakistan Railways should reserve some economy coaches on PPP trains with no fare hike, ensuring affordability for low-income passengers," requested Awan. According to sources of The Express Tribune, Pakistan Railways currently operates a total of 47 trains, of which 11 have already been outsourced, while 11 more are being offered for public-private operation. According to Pakistan Railways administration, the trains being outsourced include Bolan Mail (Karachi to Quetta), Hazara Express (Karachi to Havelian), Khushhal Khan Khattak Express (Karachi to Peshawar), Bahawal Din Zakariya Express (Karachi to Multan), Shalimar Express (Karachi to Lahore), Musa Pak Express (Dera Ghazi Khan to Lahore), Thal Express (Multan to Rawalpindi), Mehran Express (Karachi to Mirpurkhas), Mohenjo Daro Passenger (Kotri to Rohri) and Rawalpindi Express (Havelian to Rawalpindi). According to Zahid Farooq, an urban planning expert at the Urban Resource Centre (URC), trains are still a preferred mode of transportation for the labour class therefore, any increase in fares will disproportionately affect this segment. "Pakistan Railways' decision to hand over more trains to private operators will gradually reduce government control over railways. As a result, the government will not be able to provide relief to the public in the future by running special trains on holidays or reducing fares on special occasions. Therefore, handing over trains to private operators is not the correct way of improving the railways' services," said Farooq, while suggesting that the government may increase its railway revenue by reviving cargo services. Hamid Qureshi, Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) of Pakistan Railways in Karachi, told The Express Tribune that under the PPP model, fare increases of more than 10 per cent were not permitted. "Therefore, only a minor fare increase may be expected, but in return, passenger services will be improved. PPP trains are equipped with water dispensers and Wi-Fi; amenities not commonly available in regular trains," claimed Qureshi.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Chandigarh civic body revises community centre policy: free use for poor girls' weddings, RWAs meet; rituals payable
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has decided to continue offering free use of community centres for weddings of girls from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, as well as for meetings of Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Senior Citizen Associations, but ceremonies such as 'pagdi' and post-funeral meals (kriya bhog) will now attract a 25 per cent booking charge. These events were previously exempt, but the policy was revised after opposition to an initially proposed 50 per cent fee. The new draft policy, which includes revised usage rules and updated pricing, will be presented for approval in the MC House meeting scheduled on June 3. Earlier drafts that suggested charges for RWA meetings and poor girls' weddings were rolled back, following strong objections from civic groups. Revised booking charges across categories Booking fees for community centres are set to increase across the board. Category-A centres, currently priced at Rs 44,000 (including tax), will now be available for Rs 60,000 (excluding tax). Centres previously available for Rs 22,000 will now cost Rs 40,000 and applicable tax. For Category C centres, charges will increase from the previous range of Rs 5,000–Rs 22,000 to Rs 15,000–Rs 30,000. Membership-based access introduced The Corporation is also introducing an annual membership model for community centres, similar to club memberships. The annual fee has been fixed at Rs 1,000 for Category A and B centres and Rs 500 for senior citizens. For Category C centres, it will be Rs 500 and Rs 250 for senior citizens. Members will enjoy privileges such as discounted bookings and access to facilities like gyms and indoor games. The operation of each centre will be overseen by a management committee, with the area mayor acting as patron and the local councilor as chairperson. Nominated councillors and departmental SDEs will also be included in these panels. PPP model for operations and expansion Under a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, five community centres — located in Sectors 37, 38-West, 40, 49 and 50 — will be operated and maintained by private companies. The company offering the highest revenue share will win the contract. These operators will be allowed to rebrand the centres, but booking charges cannot exceed 1.5 times the base rate. Additionally, Request for Proposals (RFPs) will be floated to construct new centres on vacant land in Sectors 24, 51, 63 and Bapu Dham (Sector 26), and to redevelop existing centres in Sector 29 and Thakurdwara (Manimajra), along with managing the Rose Club in Sector 16. These contracts will be for 15 years initially, extendable by five years.
India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Uttarakhand government inks deal with Swiss firm for Rishikesh ropeway
In a significant boost to sustainable tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure, the Uttarakhand government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG for the development of a ropeway connecting Tapovan in Rishikesh to the Kunjapuri Temple in initiative, led under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, marks a major milestone in the state's infrastructure ropeway project will offer seamless and eco-friendly access to Kunjapuri Temple, a prominent spiritual and tourist destination, significantly reducing travel time while enhancing safety and minimising environmental impact. Bartholet, a globally renowned Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and part of the HTI Group, was selected after rigorous evaluation by a high-level a first-of-its-kind approach in India, the OEM will be involved from the conceptual stage through to commissioning and operations. The company will also prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at its own cost, ensuring global standards in both design and early involvement of the OEM is expected to eliminate technical ambiguities and design flaws, resulting in reduced implementation timelines and smoother execution. This model is being viewed as a revolutionary precedent not just for Uttarakhand but as a potential benchmark for ropeway projects across the project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model using the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) framework. It is anticipated to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and boost safety for both pilgrims and tourists. Additionally, the initiative is set to generate local employment and long-term revenue for the selection was based on its proven expertise in executing projects in challenging terrains, its compliance with international safety standards, and its advanced ropeway technology. The transparent selection process underscores Uttarakhand's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and adherence to global best Reel
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
IndiGo to launch first commercial flights from Navi Mumbai airport
IndiGo is set to become the first airline to commence commercial operations from the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). The airline will start with 18 daily departures — totalling 36 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) — to over 15 cities from the first day of operations. IndiGo's expansion plans at NMIA IndiGo plans to ramp up services in phases. By November 2025, it will operate 79 daily departures (158 ATMs), including 14 international flights. This is expected to grow to over 100 daily departures (200 ATMs) by March 2026. By November 2026, IndiGo aims to operate 140 daily departures (280 ATMs), including 30 international routes. IndiGo and AAHL — India's largest private airport operator under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model — announced the milestone in a joint statement. 'This partnership will fuel aviation growth in the country, making it a key driver for India to become the third largest aviation economy by 2030,' IndiGo said. Boost to India's aviation growth Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, called the move a strategic expansion. 'Our alliance signals towards achievement of complete operational readiness on both sides to take next steps. This expansion underscores our dedication to catering to the evolving needs of our aspirational travellers and further contributing to the growth of India's booming aviation sector.' Elbers said the new operations from NMIA will enhance the customer experience. 'The new flights from the brand-new NMIA will elevate the travel experience of our customers while enjoying affordable, on-time hassle-free services on our unparalleled network,' Elbers said. Echoing this sentiment, Arun Bansal, CEO of AAHL, said the collaboration will help NMIA become a regional aviation hub. 'Together, we are poised to transform travel experience for millions of passengers, providing them both convenience and enhanced travel options. Our collaboration is set to strengthen NMIA's role as an aviation gateway for the region and for travellers nationally and internationally.' $2.1 billion NMIA project The $2.1 billion NMIA project is a landmark initiative designed to ease congestion at Mumbai's existing airport and position the region as a global transit hub akin to Dubai, London, or Singapore. Local authorities also plan to develop an 'aero city' around the airport to generate non-aeronautical revenues. Both the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the upcoming NMIA are managed by the Adani Group. International flights by August NMIA's lotus-shaped terminal — inspired by India's national flower — will initially accommodate 20 million passengers annually, with plans to expand to 90 million over the next decade. Airlines are being advised to plan a phased shift in domestic operations between April and June 2025, with international flights likely to begin by August, according to Bloomberg.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Quetta-Zhob Road included in PSDP, NA body informed
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications under the Chairmanship of Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA reviewed the Ministry's responses to previous recommendations, focusing on key infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and road safety. The NHA informed the Committee that the Quetta-Zhob Road, including the Zhob Bypass, has been included in this year's PSDP. However, due to limited funds, the Loralai Bypass will be considered for inclusion in the next PSDP, in response to the Committee's previous recommendations. The Committee took up Calling Attention Notice No. 21, raised by Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA, and other members of the National Assembly. The Committee reiterated public concerns about the high tolls being charged at several points on the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9), emphasizing the necessity for fair tolling and transparent revenue collection. Since the Parliamentary Secretary for Communications was unavailable to attend, the Ministry was asked to submit its response at the next meeting. Furthermore, the Committee asked a detailed report from the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the upcoming session. The Committee was briefed on the progress of the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, a project of considerable strategic and economic significance. The Ministry informed the Committee that the project would be financed through the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), following the approval of the project proposal by the P3A Board and the revised PC-1 by ECNEC. It was noted that Section I (Hyderabad to Tando Adam) and Section II (Tando Adam to Nawabshah) are planned to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Construction work on these two sections is expected to commence by March 2026, contingent upon land acquisition and the availability of funds. Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs. 34 billion has been demanded as mobilization funding against the total project cost of Rs. 399 billion, with completion targeted within 30 months. The Committee was informed that the Shahdadkot Bypass is scheduled to be included in the PSDP for the next financial year, as the PC-1 was not prepared in time for this year's submission, following the Committee's earlier recommendations. An member, however, pointed out that the project had been part of the 2019 PSDP, implying that the PC-1 must have been prepared at that time. The NHA was instructed to look into the matter and report back at the next meeting. During the briefing on the progress of the Karachi-Northern Bypass (M-10) dualization, the Ministry informed the Committee that the project is being considered as part of the broader M-10 project. The feasibility study has been completed, and it was concluded that the solicited proposal was not viable; therefore, that option has been dropped. The NHA now plans to construct a new motorway starting from Karachi Port to Hyderabad, extending towards Sukkur, as the existing M-9 does not meet the technical standards of a motorway and is classified as an expressway. The Committee asked the Ministry to provide detailed information on toll collection, including its utilization, the routine and route-wise maintenance mechanisms, as well as the allocation and utilization of funds for regional maintenance. Committee asked the Ministry to present an update on the Khanozai-Kuchlak road project, along with all relevant details, in the next meeting. Additionally, the Committee emphasized that the meetings of the Standing Committee should be attended by NHA Members from all provinces, with particular emphasis on representation from Balochistan and Sindh. A report detailing the repair and maintenance work carried out on the previously identified toll plazas, along with the complete repair and maintenance policy, is to be submitted at the next meeting. The NHA's deputation policy, along with an updated list of deputationists, is to be submitted at the next meeting. The Ministry was asked to provide a clear timeline for the completion of the Ranipur-Moro project, along with all relevant details, in the next meeting. The meeting was attended by the members of the Standing Committee, including Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Akhtar Bibi, Dr. Darshan, Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Mehboob Shah, Abdul Latif, Ramesh Lal, Fiaz Hussain, Muhammad Usman Badini, and Hameed Hussain, all MNAs. In addition, Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA and the mover of the Calling Attention Notice, also participated in the meeting. Senior officials from the Ministry of Communications, along with representatives from its affiliated departments, were also present at the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
