A Historic Leap in Pakistan’s Railway Network

Pakistan Railways has unveiled plans for the country’s first bullet train project, which will slash travel time between Lahore and Karachi from nearly 20 hours to just 5 hours. The high-speed rail service is expected to be operational by 2030, marking one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in the nation’s history.

Part of CPEC’s $6.8 Billion ML-1 Upgrade

The bullet train is the flagship component of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) upgrade, a $6.8 billion project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The ambitious plan will be executed in partnership with Chinese firms, including the China Railway Construction Corporation.

Speed, Route, and Ticket Prices

The Lahore–Karachi bullet train will cover a 1,215 km route with stops in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal. Running at speeds of up to 250 km/h, the journey will take just five hours, a dramatic improvement from the current 18–22 hours on Pakistan’s express trains.

Ticket prices are expected to range between PKR 5,000–10,000 for economy and business class, far lower than domestic airfares, which currently cost between PKR 20,000–30,000. This affordability will make the service accessible for students, families, and professionals.

ML-1 Modernisation: Upgrading Pakistan’s Railways

The ML-1 modernization project includes:

• Double-track rail lines across the corridor
• Rebuilding century-old railway bridges
• Installing modern smart signalling systems
• Replacing outdated infrastructure to support high-speed trains

Currently, most trains operate at just 60–105 km/h, but with ML-1 upgrades, Pakistan will finally step into the era of high-speed rail.

Timeline for the Lahore–Karachi Bullet Train

• Feasibility Study: Completed in June 2025
• Construction Start: 2026
• Testing Phase: 2029
• Launch: 2030, with 10–15 daily trips planned

Economic and Job Creation Benefits

Beyond transforming passenger travel, the project is set to:

• Create thousands of jobs during construction and operation
• Boost regional trade and logistics connectivity
• Increase Pakistan’s freight rail share from 4% to 20% by 2030
• Save billions in fuel import costs by reducing reliance on road transport

Expanding the High-Speed Network

Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train, which will cut travel time between the two cities to 2.5 hours. In the long term, the Lahore–Karachi bullet train may also connect with the proposed Kashgar–Karachi rail link under CPEC, further strengthening Pakistan’s role in regional trade.

A Transformative Step for Pakistan

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi highlighted the broader impact of the initiative:

“This project is not just about reducing travel time. It’s about reshaping Pakistan’s economy, creating opportunities, and connecting people like never before.”

Key Highlights

• Lahore to Karachi in just 5 hours via Pakistan’s first bullet train
• Part of CPEC’s $6.8 billion ML-1 upgrade
• Collaboration with Chinese railway companies
• Ticket prices: PKR 5,000–10,000, cheaper than air travel
• Launch planned for 2030, with speeds up to 250 km/h
• Thousands of jobs, stronger trade, and fuel savings
• Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train also approved

Conclusion

If completed on schedule, the Lahore–Karachi bullet train will revolutionize travel in Pakistan, offering an affordable, fast, and eco-friendly alternative to domestic air travel. More than just a transport project, it represents a milestone in Pakistan’s economic modernization, promising to connect people, regions, and markets like never before.

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