Pakistan Railways unveiled plans on August 25, 2025, to launch a bullet train service that will cut travel time between Karachi and Lahore from 20 hours to just five by 2030. The high-speed rail, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promises to revolutionize travel and trade across the country.
A Game-Changing Rail Project
The bullet train will operate on the upgraded Main Line-1 (ML-1) corridor, stretching 1,215 kilometers. Designed for speeds up to 250 km/h, the train will stop at major cities like Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal. The $6.8 billion ML-1 upgrade includes:
- A double-track railway for smoother operations
- Rebuilt bridges for enhanced safety
- Modern signaling systems to improve efficiency
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Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi called the project a bold step toward modernizing Pakistan’s transport system, with technical support from Chinese firms, including the China Railway Construction Corporation.
Economic and Social Benefits
The bullet train is expected to bring significant advantages to Pakistan’s economy and connectivity. Key benefits include:
- Job Creation: Thousands of new jobs during construction and operation
- Trade Boost: Enhanced links between southern and central Pakistan
- Freight Efficiency: Increasing rail freight share from 4% to 20%
- Reduced Fuel Imports: Shifting cargo from roads to rails
The project will also support large-scale mineral exports, such as copper ore from the Reko Diq mine, strengthening Pakistan’s trade capabilities.
Funding and Regional Support
While the ML-1 upgrade is a CPEC initiative, delays in Chinese funding prompted the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to step in with $2 billion for the Karachi–Rohri section. A consortium led by ADB will soon finalize the deal, with an international contractor to be selected through open bidding.
In a related development, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a separate Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train project earlier this year, aiming to reduce travel time to 2.5 hours.
Modernizing Rail Operations
Pakistan Railways is also introducing digital upgrades to support the bullet train and improve overall operations. These include:
- Computerized interlocking systems at junctions like Landhi and Badal Nala
- A digital microwave radio system along the Karachi–Lahore route
- Push-to-talk communication networks for better coordination
These advancements aim to enhance safety and streamline rail services across the country.
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Public and Official Reactions
Travelers and businesses are optimistic about the project. “A five-hour trip from Karachi to Lahore will save so much time,” said Sara Khan, a Karachi resident. Businesses expect faster transport to boost trade and logistics.
Minister Abbasi stated, “This bullet train will modernize travel and strengthen Pakistan’s economy, connecting communities like never before.”
Check the Pakistan Railways website for more details: https://www.pakrail.gov.pk/.
What’s Next for Pakistan’s Railways
The bullet train project is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its transport network. With completion targeted for 2030, officials will focus on ensuring timely funding and construction. The initiative, alongside digital upgrades, signals a new era for travel and trade in Pakistan.
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