Punjab Allocates Rs250 Billion for Rawalpindi-Lahore Fast Train Project to Cut Travel Time to Two Hours
ISLAMABAD – The Punjab government has announced a major investment of Rs250 billion over the next three years to launch a high-speed train project between Rawalpindi and Lahore, aiming to reduce travel time between the two major cities to just two hours.
The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi during a press briefing at the National Press Club. He stated that the initiative will include modern signaling systems and upgraded tracks, with an additional Rs100 billion earmarked for improving branch railway lines in other parts of the province.
Major Investment in Railway Infrastructure
Minister Abbasi highlighted that, for the first time in 77 years, a provincial government has made such a substantial commitment to the railway sector. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, railway development projects worth Rs350 billion have been launched.
“Upgrading Pakistan Railways is essential for national development,” Abbasi said, noting that similar to India’s Rs7 trillion rail investment, Pakistan must also prioritize transportation infrastructure to accelerate progress.
He added that more than 170 acres of encroached railway land, valued at Rs10 billion, have been recovered as part of an anti-encroachment campaign guided by the Punjab chief minister’s plan.
Suburban Rail and Modern Facilities
Abbasi also unveiled a plan to launch suburban rail services on eight routes across Punjab, including:
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Shahdara–Narowal
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Narowal–Sialkot
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Lalamusa–Malikwal–Sargodha
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Faisalabad–Chak Jhumra–Shahinabad
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Shorkot–Jhang–Sargodha
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Sheikhupura–Jharanwala–Shorkot
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Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpattan–Lodhran
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Kot Addu–DG Khan–Kashmore
In addition, the Punjab government has allocated Rs9 billion to upgrade level crossings and is developing a green belt from Shahdara to Kot Lakhpat.
Focus on Passenger Experience and Freight Services
To enhance passenger convenience, Pakistan Railways is upgrading major stations, improving ticket booking through mobile apps, and restoring train services such as the Khushhal Khan Khattak Express.
Other improvements include:
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Train hostesses introduced
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Improved food and beverage services at stations
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Focus on punctuality and track upgrades
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Increased revenue from freight trains
The ministry is also investing in sustainable energy, with solar panels being installed at 355 railway stations—work has already been completed at 155 locations.
Additionally, elevators and escalators will be installed at key stations, including Shahdara and Kot Lakhpat, and only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed inside station premises.
Provincial Development and Public-Private Partnerships
The government is outsourcing several facilities to enhance service delivery, including:
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Six railway hospitals
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Fourteen schools and colleges
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Golf and country clubs
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Rest houses and sleeper factories
In Balochistan, a plan is in place to upgrade the railway line from Sariab to Kuchlak and introduce a local shuttle service. Land has also been allocated for the construction of an international stadium.
In Sindh, consultations are ongoing with the provincial government for the restoration of key branch lines.
Promoting Sports and Community Engagement
The minister also announced that sports complexes in Rawalpindi and Lahore will be upgraded with modern facilities. Railway teams will soon participate in events in Balochistan football grounds, and plans are underway to rehabilitate the railway cricket ground in Lahore.
