LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday announced plans to launch its own airline, with operations set to begin using four leased aircraft for domestic routes before expanding to international routes later.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said at a press conference that the “Punjab Air” project has been finalised. “Four aircraft have been taken on lease to start domestic flights. Within a year, the airline will receive a licence for international flights,” she said.

The move follows earlier interest shown by the Mar­yam Nawaz administration in acquiring Pakistan Inte­rnational Airlines (PIA).

Ms Bokhari also reve­aled that Pakistan’s first bullet train would be soon launched between Lahore and Rawalpindi. “It will complete the journey in two hours and twenty minutes. More bullet train routes will be developed across Punjab,” she said.

The minister also unveiled plans for a “Glass Train” service from Rawalpindi to Murree, designed to promote tourism and offer passengers scenic views en route to the popular hill station.

The chief minister also noted that a public-private partnership model was under consideration for the bullet train venture, adds APP.

Additionally, she dire­cted the relevant departments to expedite preparations for launching the bullet train and sought proposals for high-speed train services on six additional routes across Pu­n­jab. These routes include: Lah­ore-Shahdara-Naro­wal; Lahore-Raiwind-Kasur-Pakpattan-Lod­hran; Sheik­hupura-Jaranwala-Shorkot; Sho­rkot-Jhang-Sar­g­odha; Lala Musa-Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin and Malikwal; and Faisalabad-Chak Jhu­mra-Shaheenabad.

The CM also reviewed progress on mass transit init­iatives, including the Lahore Yellow Line and the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2025