LAHORE: The Punjab government has completed the feasibility study for a proposed monorail project aimed at connecting Islamabad with the hill station of Murree, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz pushing for early execution.
According to official sources, the 40-kilometre-long track is planned to begin construction soon, with most sections expected to be elevated. The initial proposal envisioned the route starting from near Lake View Park and ending at Pindi Point, Murree. However, the provincial government now plans to extend the line to the Islamabad International Airport to facilitate tourists, residents, and visiting delegations.
“Yes, our feasibility has been completed, and we will soon move to the procurement phase to lay the tracks,” an official confirmed. He added that the chief minister is closely monitoring progress and has directed relevant departments to expedite work.
A team led by Chief Minister’s Adviser Shahid Ashraf Tarar recently held a meeting with Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials to discuss the project’s connectivity options. During the meeting, Punjab’s representatives suggested using the existing right of way along Srinagar Highway for the route from the airport to Peshawar Mor, and onward to the proposed Lake View site.
CDA officials reportedly proposed alternative linkages to Margalla or Rawat railway stations, with both sides agreeing to continue coordination and conduct a pre-feasibility for the segment between the airport and Lake View Park.
Officials said the project’s technical viability has been established, noting that similar rail links have operated successfully in hilly regions like Shimla since the early 1900s. The Murree monorail, once approved, could be completed within two years.
The government expects the modern transport link to boost tourism, reduce travel time, and improve accessibility between Islamabad and Murree’s popular destinations, including Pindi Point and Kashmir Point.
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