The government on Saturday approved major upgrades to the Lahore-Islamabad rail corridor, including the launch of a high-speed train service aimed at reducing travel time to 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the upgradation of six key railway routes in Punjab.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, representing the Punjab government, presented a comprehensive briefing on the project, which forms part of the Punjab Chief Minister’s broader vision to modernise the province’s transport infrastructure.
According to officials, the upgraded high-speed train will depart from Lahore and pass through Lalamusa, Dina, and Gujar Khan before reaching Rawalpindi. The project also includes the restructuring and double-tracking of the Kalowal-Pandora section to accommodate increased traffic.
Minister Abbasi emphasised that the initiative would significantly enhance rail services, with the number of trains between Lahore and Rawalpindi expected to rise to 120. ‘This project will improve convenience for travellers and boost the overall quality of railway transportation,’ he said.
Other measures announced include the reconstruction of all bridges along the route, the remodelling of station yards, and the conversion of tracks between Kot Lakhpat and Shahdara into green belts by the Pakistan Housing Authority. Furthermore, all stations along the Lahore-Rawalpindi route will be upgraded to meet international standards.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Aurangzeb termed the initiative a ‘gift for the public’ and lauded Mr Abbasi’s efforts. She confirmed that the Punjab government had approved all level crossings to be incorporated into the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The meeting was also attended by Shahid Tarar, advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab, as well as the Chairman of Planning and Development, and secretaries of Transport, Mass Transit, Planning and Development, and Railways.
The upgrades are expected to significantly improve rail connectivity in Punjab, contributing to economic growth and enhancing passenger comfort. Implementation timelines and further details of the project will be announced in the coming weeks.