PR announces bullet train project

The Pakistan Railways has announced a bullet train project to be implemented between Lahore and Karachi, cutting travel time between the two cities from 20 hours to just five by 2030.

According to Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the 1215-kilometer long high-speed rail line is part of the 6.8 billion dollars ML-1 upgrade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The trains will run at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour with major stops in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal. The project will be executed with Chinese support, including China Railway Construction Corporation. Upgrades include new double tracks, rebuilt bridges, and modern signalling systems.

Beyond faster travel, the project is projected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, boost regional trade, and increase Pakistan's freight rail share from 4% to 20% by 2030.

It is also expected to reduce reliance on costly road transport, saving billions in fuel imports.

Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the Lahore-Rawalpindi Bullet Train Project. The proposed rail link is to reduce travel time between the two major cities to just 2.5 hours.

The PR has also embarked on a large-scale programme to digitize and automate its network in a bid to enhance safety, cut down delays and bring efficiency to passenger and freight movement.

According to official documents, advanced communication and signalling systems are being deployed across key sections of the national railway network.

The upgrade includes installation of a computerized interlocking system at Landhi, Jumma Goth, Badal Nala and Sarhad stations to replace manual controls, significantly improving train routing and accident-prevention capability.

In parallel, the Karachi-Lahore section telecom system is being overhauled with a digital microwave radio communication system, ensuring uninterrupted and secure data transmission for train operations.

A Push-to-Talk digital communication network is also being gradually rolled out in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sukkur and Karachi divisions to strengthen real-time coordination between field staff and control rooms.

A senior Pakistan Railways official told Wealth Pakistan that over 80 percent of the current signaling system relies on mechanical and relay-based technology, which is prone to theft, environmental damage, and operational failures.

The new automation drive is expected to replace such equipment with intelligent, sensor-based systems capable of monitoring track conditions and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.