Pakistan Railways to Launch Bullet Train Between Karachi and Lahore by 2030

ISLAMABAD, August 25, 2025 — In a landmark move, Pakistan Railways has unveiled plans to introduce a bullet train service between Karachi and Lahore, slashing travel time from nearly 20 hours to just 5 hours by the year 2030.

The high-speed train will operate on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) corridor, a central part of the $6.8 billion CPEC railway upgrade project. Covering 1,215 kilometers, the new line will support speeds of up to 250 km/h, with major stops at Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal.

Chinese and Regional Backing

Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi called the initiative a “visionary plan” that will transform Pakistan’s transportation and boost economic activity nationwide. He credited Chinese firms, especially the China Railway Construction Corporation, for providing technical expertise.

The ML-1 project will feature:

• Double-track rail lines

• Rebuilt bridges

• Advanced signaling systems for safety and efficiency

Expected Economic Benefits

Along with cutting travel time, the bullet train is expected to:
✅ Create thousands of jobs across multiple sectors
✅ Boost regional trade between southern and central Pakistan
✅ Raise rail freight share from 4% to 20%
✅ Reduce fuel imports by shifting cargo from roads to rail

Officials highlight that the upgraded network will play a key role in transporting copper ore and minerals from Reko Diq and other large-scale exports.

ADB Funding Support

With delays in Chinese financing, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has stepped in, agreeing to fund a $2 billion upgrade for the Karachi–Rohri section. The agreement is expected to be finalized soon, with an international contractor selected through a competitive process.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has already approved a Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train, which will cut travel time between the two cities to just 2.5 hours.

Digitization & Automation Plans

Pakistan Railways is also working on nationwide modernization, including:

• Computerized interlocking systems at Landhi and Badal Nala

• Digital microwave radio system on the Karachi–Lahore route

• Push-to-talk communication networks to improve safety and coordination