Pakistan Railways has unveiled plans for a high-speed bullet train between Karachi and Lahore, a development set to cut travel time from nearly 20 hours to just five. Authorities aim to have the service operational by 2030.
Part of the ML-1 Upgrade Under CPEC
The bullet train is a central component of the $6.8 billion Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, one of the most significant undertakings under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The 1,215-kilometer line will allow trains to run at speeds of up to 250 km/h and will feature modernized infrastructure, including double tracks, reconstructed bridges, and upgraded signalling systems.
Key planned stations include:
- Hyderabad
- Multan
- Sahiwal
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi described the initiative as a landmark move for the country’s transport and trade networks.
According to state media, he emphasized the importance of Chinese technical assistance, particularly from the China Railway Construction Corporation, saying it would help “reinforce the backbone of the nation.”
Wider Economic Impact
Beyond faster travel, officials believe the project will generate significant economic and social benefits.
- Thousands of new jobs are expected during construction and operation.
- Rail’s share of freight transport could rise from the current 4% to 20% by 2030.
- A shift away from road transport is projected to save billions in fuel imports.
- Regional trade and connectivity are expected to expand as a result.
Parallel Rail Initiatives
The Lahore–Karachi line is not the only high-speed rail plan on the table. Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train, designed to slash travel time to just two and a half hours.
Together, these initiatives represent one of the most ambitious overhauls of Pakistan’s railway system in decades.
If completed as envisioned, the projects could redefine both passenger mobility and freight logistics, ushering in a new era of speed, efficiency, and economic growth.
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