LAHORE: In a landmark move for Pakistan’s transportation sector, the government has announced the country’s first high-speed bullet train project, connecting Lahore and Rawalpindi. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, ARY News reported.
The Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train is expected to drastically reduce travel time between the two major cities to approximately two-and-a-half hours, offering a fast, comfortable, and affordable option for passengers.
To initiate the project, a working group has been established, comprising Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, the Chairman of Pakistan Railways, and other senior officials. This group will prepare the feasibility study and propose a project timeline.
Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the group’s recommendations would be presented to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz next week. “This bullet train is not just a transport upgrade; it’s another fulfilled promise to the people,” she said. “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is committed to modernizing Punjab’s transport network.”
The bullet train project was also discussed in a broader development review chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where progress on two key initiatives — the Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train and Air Punjab — was evaluated.
In the same meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz officially approved the launch of Air Punjab, the country’s first provincial airline. Initially, four Airbus aircraft will be leased to begin domestic operations, with plans to expand internationally after a successful first year.
CM Maryam emphasized that both projects — the bullet train and Air Punjab — are central to her administration’s vision for improved connectivity and public service delivery. “We are setting a new standard for speed, comfort, and quality in travel,” she said.
The Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train is set to become a game-changer in Pakistan’s railway history and marks a major step toward modernization of public transport in the country.
