LAHORE: Pakistan Railways and Punjab government on Thursday joined hands by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to run a fast train between Lahore and Rawalpindi and various other trains on local routes in a bid to transform railway transport across the province.

The MoU was signed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi.

Under this initiative, Pakistan’s first fast train service will be introduced between Lahore and Rawalpindi, covering approximately 280 kilometers in just two hours and 15 minutes. The project aims to modernise and expand railway operations across Punjab, with fast and regional train services to be operated over approximately 1,415 kilometers across 20 regions and eight key local routes.

Modern diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains will be deployed on regional routes, including Shahdara to Narowal (79km) and onward to Sialkot (62km), Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan to Lodhran (370km), Sheikhupura, Jaranwala to Shorkot (220km), Lalamusa, Malakwal to Sargodha (147km), Faisalabad via Chak Jhumra to Shaheenabad (68km), and the inter-provincial corridor from Kot Addu to Kashmore via Dera Ghazi Khan (303km).

It will cover approximately 280km in just two hours and 15 minutes

New locomotives and modern passenger coaches will be inducted to enhance operational efficiency and service standards.

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi termed the agreement a defining moment for Pakistan Railways, stating that approximately 90 million passengers across nine routes were expected to benefit from the project. He emphasised that the project would significantly upgrade railway services to align with international standards under the leadership and supervision of the chief minister.

He said that in parallel with service expansion, Pakistan Railways was undertaking major infrastructure improvements.

Lahore Railway Station was being upgraded with comprehensive beautification and international-standard parking facilities. Advanced automated (unmanned) safety systems were also being introduced to reduce accidents and enhance operational safety across the network.

He said environmental sustainability measures form an integral part of the initiative, with over 400,000 trees being planted along railway tracks. A 40km green corridor from Shahdara to Raiwind was also being developed to create a modern, environmentally sustainable railway environment comparable to international benchmarks.

The minister acknowledged the efforts of Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb in supporting the execution of this initiative over the past year.

Talking to Dawn, minister Abbasi said the Punjab CM had pledged to provide Rs45 billion funds to the railways for upgrading nine local routes and running trains in a bid to reduce traffic rush on highways and control smog.

“Besides this, the government will also support the railways financially for launching fast trains on the Lahore-Rawalpindi route. On this particular project, Rs350 billion will be spent since it entails laying of new track,” he explained.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026