Islamabad: The Punjab government has allocated PKR 250 billion over the next three years for the development of a high-speed rail project aimed at reducing travel time between Lahore and Rawalpindi to just two hours.
The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi during a “Meet the Press” session at the National Press Club. He stated that the project would involve the installation of modern signaling systems and new railway tracks to support high-speed operations.
In addition to the flagship rail corridor, the government has also set aside PKR 100 billion for the upgrade and improvement of branch lines across other cities. According to the minister, this is part of a broader plan to revitalize Pakistan Railways and enhance its efficiency and connectivity.
Abbasi noted that, for the first time in the country’s history, a provincial government is making significant investments in the national railway system. “In the last 77 years, no province has invested in the railways like Punjab has. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, projects worth PKR 350 billion are being initiated,” he said.
He also revealed that as part of an ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, the administration had recovered over 170 acres of railway land valued at approximately PKR 10 billion.
Further outlining future plans, the minister said suburban rail services will be introduced on eight routes across Punjab. These include Shahdara–Narowal, Narowal–Sialkot, Lalamusa–Malakwal–Sargodha, Faisalabad–Chak Jhumra–Shahinabad, Shorkot–Jhang–Sargodha, Sheikhupura–Jaranwala–Shorkot, Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpattan–Lodhran, and Kot Addu–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kashmore.
The Punjab government has also allocated PKR 9 billion for the construction of level crossings and the development of a green belt from Shahdara to Kot Lakhpat.
In terms of service improvement, Abbasi said that mobile apps are being introduced for easier ticket booking, and major railway stations are being upgraded. Additional initiatives include the restoration of the Khushhal Khan Khattak Express, outsourcing of six hospitals and 14 educational institutions under Pakistan Railways, and enhancement of food quality at stations.
To improve infrastructure and energy efficiency, solar panels are being installed at 355 railway stations, of which work has been completed on 155. Elevators and escalators are also planned for major stations including Shahdara and Kot Lakhpat. The minister added that only ticket-holders will be allowed entry to these upgraded stations.
In Balochistan, the railway line from Sariab to Kuchlak will be upgraded, and a shuttle service will be introduced. Meanwhile, in Sindh, discussions are ongoing with the provincial government for the revival of branch lines.
Abbasi concluded by stressing the importance of modernizing Pakistan Railways to match regional benchmarks. He cited India’s significant investment in its own rail infrastructure and emphasized the need for Pakistan to adopt a similar approach to accelerate national development.
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