Punjab Govt Announces Lahore-Rawalpindi Bullet Train
The Punjab government has announced Pakistan’s first high-speed bullet train, which will run between Lahore and Rawalpindi. According to media reports, the decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurengzeb and Federal Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi.
Furthermore, a working group, comprising Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, Advisor to the Chief Minister Shahid Tarar, the Chairman of Pakistan Railways, and other key officials, has been formed to prepare a feasibility report and timeline for the mega project. “The recommendations of the working group will be presented to the Punjab chief minister next week,” Ms. Aurengzeb stated.
Possible Cost
According to experts, the project’s cost will run into multi-billion dollars, and they wonder how the Punjab government will manage these funds. “The per-kilometer cost of laying railway track for a fast train is between $40 and $50 million, meaning the total cost can reach up to $10 billion,” they added.
Rawalpindi-Murree Glass Train
This is not the first such mega project announced by the Punjab Government. Last year, the provincial government announced the launch of a glass train between Rawalpindi and Murree, known as the Murree Tourist Glass Train.
According to the details, eighteen different departments collaborated to develop Project Concept One (PC-1) for this innovative endeavor. This working group, led by the Punjab Transport Minister, included prominent officials such as the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, the Deputy Commissioners of Rawalpindi and Murree, as well as heads of other relevant departments.
The proposed 65-kilometer rail track was planned to pass through the stunning landscapes of the Margalla Hills and Barakahu, providing passengers with breathtaking views of the area’s natural beauty. The National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) had been tasked with conducting a feasibility study for this project. It is worth mentioning that the project’s feasibility report was scheduled for completion by April 30, 2025.
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