Punjab Launches First Fast Train Project Linking Lahore and Rawalpindi
By Sadia Khan :
Pakistan is set to introduce its first fast train service after Pakistan Railways and the Government of Punjab signed a landmark agreement aimed at modernising rail transport across the province.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Maryam Nawaz and Hanif Abbasi, marking a significant step towards faster and more efficient travel.
Under the plan, a high-speed service will be introduced between Lahore and Rawalpindi, reducing journey time to just over two hours. Officials say the route is expected to transform intercity connectivity between two of the province’s busiest urban centres.
In addition to the flagship route, authorities plan to upgrade and operate modern train services across eight other regional lines, expanding the scope of the project to improve connectivity in multiple districts.
The proposed routes include links between cities such as Narowal and Sialkot, Faisalabad and surrounding مناطق, as well as longer corridors connecting southern پنجاب, including Dera Ghazi Khan and Kashmore.
Officials estimate that the initiative will benefit millions of passengers by significantly reducing travel times and improving access to reliable public transport. The project is also expected to ease pressure on road networks while supporting economic activity across the province.
The agreement signals a broader push to modernise Pakistan’s ageing rail infrastructure, with authorities positioning the fast train project as a cornerstone of future transport development.
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