RAWALPINDI, Nov 8: The Pakistan Railways is to start a new shuttle service between Rawalpindi and Peshawar from December 1. The shuttle service will run three times a day, and will provide better travelling facilities to the people, Railway Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmad told Dawn on Wednesday.

A railcar used to be operated between Rawalpindi and Peshawar once a day but that was stopped almost a year ago. At present, only four trains link Peshawar with the rest of the country.

The minister said with the beginning of 2007, a new air conditioned train from Rawalpindi to Karachi via Faisalabad would also be introduced.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has allocated five acres, close to the railway station here, for the construction of a five-star hotel to cater growing demand of public and upward trend in the socio-economic activities in the country, sources in the railways said.

There are eight locations being offered by the railways, as joint venture projects, on lease for 99 years. All these properties are located along main roads of cities and in the proximity of commercial and posh residential areas having cluster of various other reputed hotel chains, clubs and business centres.

These projects promise an outstanding development initiative of a very high standard, the sources said.— A Reporter