Pakistan Railways to launch new Punjab routes

Pakistan Railways has announced plans to launch new train services across Punjab in collaboration with the provincial government, aiming to improve regional connectivity and modernize rail infrastructure.

The development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pakistan Railways and the Punjab government. Speaking on the occasion, Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Railways, said the agreement includes laying new railway tracks as well as upgrading existing ones.

He revealed that a fast train service will be introduced between Lahore and Rawalpindi, which will complete the journey in approximately two and a quarter hours. In addition to this flagship service, modern trains will also be launched on eight local routes across the province.

According to the minister, the Punjab government will provide new locomotives and coaches for these routes. Planned routes include Shahdara to Narowal, Narowal to Sialkot, and Raiwind, Kasur, and Pakpattan to Lodhran. New services will also operate on the Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, and Shorkot route.

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Further expansion includes routes connecting Lala Musa, Mandi Bahauddin (Malakwal), and Sargodha, as well as a service from Faisalabad via Chak Jhumra. An inter-provincial route from Kot Addu through Dera Ghazi Khan to Kashmore is also part of the broader plan.

Hanif Abbasi added that an automated safety system is being introduced to reduce railway accidents. Additionally, green parks will be developed along the Shahdara to Raiwind corridor, and more than 400,000 trees will be planted along railway tracks across Punjab.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to modernize Pakistan’s railway network, improve passenger services, and promote environmentally sustainable infrastructure development in the province.