Pakistan Railways, in collaboration with the Punjab government, is set to launch new train services on nine local routes across the province as part of a major transport expansion plan.
Under a newly signed MoU, the initiative also includes the introduction of a fast train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, along with upgrades to existing railway infrastructure and the provision of new locomotives and coaches.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said that under the agreement, new tracks will be laid and existing tracks will be upgraded with the support of the Punjab government.
He added that a new fast train service from Lahore to Rawalpindi will be launched, which will complete the journey in just two and a quarter hours.
In addition to the fast train, modern trains will also be introduced on eight local routes. The Punjab government will provide new locomotives and coaches for these services.
He said new trains will operate on routes including Shahdara to Narowal, Narowal to Sialkot, and Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan to Lodhran. New services will also run on the Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, and Shorkot routes.
Furthermore, trains will also operate on the Lala Musa, Mandi Bahauddin, and Sargodha route, as well as from Faisalabad via Chak Jhumra. The project also includes an inter-provincial train from Kot Addu via Dera Ghazi Khan to Kashmore.
Hanif Abbasi further said that an automated system is being introduced to prevent railway accidents, while green parks will be developed from Shahdara to Raiwind. Over 400,000 trees are also being planted along railway tracks across Punjab.
