Pakistan: Bullet train and Air Punjab plans approved

Dubai: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved two major transport initiatives aimed at transforming the province’s infrastructure.

Maryam approved Pakistan’s first provincial airline, Air Punjab, and a high-speed bullet train between Lahore and Rawalpindi.

In a high-level review meeting on Saturday, Chief Minister Maryam gave the formal go-ahead for Air Punjab, which will initially focus on domestic routes. Four Airbus aircraft will be leased immediately, with operations expected to begin within eight to twelve months.

Once operational for a year, the airline aims to expand internationally, aspiring to set new benchmarks in passenger service.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed the development during a press conference, noting that the idea of Air Punjab was proposed after the federal government failed to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

 “No one had even thought of launching a provincial airline,” Bokhari remarked, adding that licensing and leasing processes have been fast-tracked.

Bullet train

Chief Minister Maryam also approved the much-anticipated Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train project, which is expected to reduce travel time between the two major cities to just two and a half hours.

A public-private partnership model is under consideration for its execution, with Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb tasked to coordinate with Pakistan Railways.

Six more high speed trains

The chief minister further directed feasibility studies for six additional high-speed train routes across Punjab, including Lahore–Shahdara–Narowal and Faisalabad–Chak Jhumra–Shaheenabad. The studies are due by May 30 and June 15 for different projects.

More city transit routes

Progress was also reviewed on mass transit developments such as the Lahore Yellow Line and Gujranwala Mass Transit Line. The CM emphasised timely completion and modernisation of public transport, including the upcoming e-taxi service aimed at upgrading urban mobility.

In line with her broader development vision, CM Maryam has also launched beautification and clean-up campaigns across the Rawalpindi Division. Major operations have been carried out on Murree Road, targeting illegal bus stands, encroachments, and drug hotspots.