Islamabad–Rawalpindi High-Speed Train Service to Begin March 2026
A new high-speed train service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi is set to launch on March 23, 2026, offering faster and more convenient travel for commuters in the twin cities.
The project is being developed through the collaboration of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Railways, with modern train units being imported from China.
According to officials, the service will operate between Saddar Railway Station in Rawalpindi and Margalla Railway Station in Islamabad. The newly introduced diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains are expected to cut travel time between the two cities to just 20 minutes.
Operations will be managed by the CDA, while Pakistan Railways will oversee track maintenance.
Affordable Travel for Commuters
Authorities have proposed a one-way fare of Rs. 50, making the service accessible to daily travelers, including students and office workers. To improve connectivity, there are also plans to extend the route from Margalla Station to Ninth Avenue Metro Station, allowing passengers a smooth link to the Metro bus network.
Seamless Connectivity Across the Capital Region
Once connected to the Metro system, the high-speed train will provide direct access to important destinations such as the Pak Secretariat, Islamabad International Airport, and Srinagar Highway.
Currently, train travel between the two cities is limited to longer routes, like the Islamabad Express to Lahore, which stops at both Rawalpindi and Margalla stations. The upcoming service is being hailed as a significant development in enhancing urban mobility in the capital region.
