The Punjab government has signed an agreement with Pakistan Railways to introduce new fast and local train services aimed at improving intercity and regional connectivity across the province.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi.
Under the plan, a high-speed train service will operate between Lahore and Rawalpindi, reducing travel time to approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. The initiative also includes the development of multiple local rail routes spanning around 1,415 kilometers across 20 districts of Punjab.
According to officials, the expanded network will include routes such as Shahdara to Narowal via Sialkot, as well as services covering Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, and Lodhran. Additional lines are planned between Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, and Shorkot, along with connectivity from Lala Musa to Malakwal and Sargodha.
Another proposed route will link Faisalabad with Chak Jhumra and Shahinabad, while an interprovincial corridor from Kot Addu to Kashmore via Dera Ghazi Khan is also part of the project.
Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the initiative is expected to benefit nearly 90 million people by improving travel efficiency and expanding rail access across urban and rural areas.
The government stated that the project is part of broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and reduce pressure on road transport.
