Revving up rail Pakistan has begun work on a high-speed rail line that will connect the country’s capital, Islamabad, and the eastern city of Lahore, cutting the journey time to two hours and 45 minutes. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Pakistan has initiated preparations for building a high-speed rail line between Islamabad and Lahore to improve connectivity and cut travel time to just two hours and 45 minutes.
Photo: propakistani.pk

The proposed 276-mile corridor will connect Rawalpindi, which is in the Islamabad metropolitan region, to Lahore, Punjab’s most populous city with more than 14 million people and a crucial economic hub.

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Investment Plan for Islamabad–Lahore Rail Project

The government is looking for innovative funding mechanisms, including public-private partnership, as the cost of the project, the construction of which is estimated to be around $10 billion. Punjab Senior Minster Maryam Aurangzeb has already kicked-off talks with Pakistan Railways to raise the necessary funding and draw in foreign investors.
It also comprises modernizations to existing tracks, bridge work and yard enhancements. Second track will also be constructed on single track segments to facilitate uninterrupted and efficient service.

Expanding Rail Infrastructure Across Punjab

For six more railway routes in Punjab, feasibility studies are in progress, and by June, the work will be complete.
Pakistan is also investing in urban railway commuter systems to provide efficient and affordable public transportation. Lahore also got the country’s first metro in 2020, and authorities approved a first light rail transit line in 2023.

This is in line with Government’s appetite for infrastructure modernization to boost the nation’s economy and to make the transport sector more attractive to private sector participation. The inauguration of the Islamabad–Lahore high-speed line is an important milestone in the construction of an environmentally friendly and future-oriented railway system, and it will promote the sustainable development of the Pakistani transportation sector.

What is the objective of the new Islamabad–Lahore high-speed rail line in Pakistan?

The effort seeks to improve the connection between Islamabad and Lahore, shortening the journey to two hours and 45 minutes and stimulating economic activity and regional mobility.

How would Pakistan finance the high-speed rail?

The government has mulled public private partnerships and other investment frameworks to fund the estimated $10 billion cost of construction and it was engaged in active talks with Pakistan Railways and international investors.

Computer Based Other Railway Infrastructure Projects? What other railway projects are in Punjab working?

Feasibility studies for six additional railway corridors are ongoing, and urban rail systems are expanding, including Lahore’s first metro (2020) and the approval of a light rail transit line in 2023.

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