The Punjab government has taken a major step to modernize public transport by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan Railways.
Under this agreement, Pakistan’s first fast train will run between Lahore and Rawalpindi. The 280-kilometre journey, which currently takes 4 to 5 hours, will be completed in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi signed the MoU. The project aims to introduce modern, high-speed rail services across Punjab.
The plan includes not only the fast train between Lahore and Rawalpindi but also the development of a complete modern railway network. This will cover eight new routes across 20 districts of Punjab, stretching over 1,415 kilometres. Major cities such as Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, and several towns in southern Punjab will be connected.
The project will feature upgraded trains, modern railway stations, improved safety systems, better parking facilities, and green spaces along the tracks. Officials say these improvements will make travelling safer, faster, and more comfortable for passengers.
This initiative is expected to benefit nearly 90 million people living in Punjab by providing better connectivity and reducing travel time significantly. It will also help reduce traffic pressure on roads and promote economic activity between cities.
The Punjab government described the project as a game-changer for public transport in the province. Work on the project is expected to begin soon, with the Lahore-Rawalpindi fast train service likely to start operations within the next few years.
