In a landmark move spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government has taken its first decisive step toward realizing an ambitious vision: the launch of a bullet train service between Lahore and Rawalpindi.
This transformative initiative marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s infrastructure development and sets the stage for a new era of high-speed rail travel in the region.
A high-level meeting, presided over by Federal Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi and Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, led to the formation of a dedicated working group tasked with initiating groundwork for the monumental project.
Bullet Train Between Lahore and Rawalpindi
The core objective of the project is to establish Pakistan’s first bullet train route connecting Lahore—the provincial capital of Punjab—with Rawalpindi, a key economic and administrative center.
Industry sources estimate the initial project cost at over $10 billion, making it one of the most capital-intensive infrastructure developments in the country’s history.
Experts suggest that the cost per kilometre for high-speed rail track construction ranges between $40 million and $50 million, reflecting the massive scale of this undertaking.
To ensure swift and effective execution, a specialized working group has been assembled.
- Bilal Akbar Khan, Punjab Transport Minister (joined via video link)
- Shahid Tarar, Adviser to the Chief Minister
- CEO of Pakistan Railways
- Chairman of Pakistan Railways
- Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch
- Planning and Development Secretary Asif Tufail
Strategic Importance of the Lahore-Rawalpindi Route
The Lahore-Rawalpindi corridor is one of the busiest in Pakistan, with a daily influx of thousands of travelers using roads, buses, and conventional rail. By introducing a bullet train.
- Cut travel time from over 5 hours to just under 2 hours
- Reduce road congestion and environmental pollution
- Provide a safer, faster, and more efficient mode of intercity transport
- Stimulate trade, tourism, and employment between major cities
This route also aligns with broader development goals under the Punjab Growth Strategy and the Pakistan Vision 2025 plan, focusing on connectivity, innovation, and sustainability.
- Technical requirements
- Land acquisition processes
- Environmental impact assessments
- Funding models (public, private, or hybrid partnerships)
- New terminal designs
- Passenger lounges and waiting areas
- Advanced ticketing systems
- Improved security and surveillance networks
- Enhanced cargo and logistics management
The Pakistan Railways team provided a detailed briefing during the session, identifying areas within the existing rail network that require substantial improvements or reconstruction to meet bullet train standards.
Exploring Additional High-Speed Rail Routes Across Punjab
While the Lahore-Rawalpindi corridor is the priority, the working group has also been directed to evaluate new potential routes to expand the bullet train network.
- Lahore to Multan
- Rawalpindi to Peshawar
- Faisalabad to Lahore
- Sialkot to Gujranwala
By laying the foundation for a Punjab-wide bullet train network, the government seeks to revolutionize intercity transport and reduce regional travel disparities.
- Job Creation: Thousands of employment opportunities during construction and operations
- Technology Transfer: Partnership with foreign firms could bring in advanced railway technologies
- Urban Development: Infrastructure expansion in adjacent towns and districts
- Sustainability: A shift to electric, high-speed trains could significantly lower carbon emissions
- Increased Tourism: Easier access to cultural and historical sites across Punjab
Moreover, by adopting green transport policies, the bullet train aligns with global climate action goals, including Pakistan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The project’s success hinges on sustained political commitment and administrative efficiency. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has demonstrated both, emphasizing the government’s resolve to:
- Deliver world-class infrastructure
- Make long-term investments in public transport
- Reduce regional inequalities
- Position Punjab as a leader in technological modernization
