Imagine traveling from Lahore to Karachi in just 5 hours! Pakistan Railways has announced plans for the country’s first-ever bullet train, a groundbreaking project that will redefine travel along the 1,215-km Main Line 1 (ML-1) by 2030.
Backed by a $6.8 billion investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the bullet train promises fast, safe, and affordable travel. The announcement was made in June 2025 by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, marking Pakistan’s boldest transport initiative yet.
The project, developed with Chinese partners like China Railway Construction Corporation, will modernize tracks, rebuild bridges, and upgrade signaling systems to support trains running at 250 km/h. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with a target launch in 2030.
Key Project Highlights:
- Route: Lahore to Karachi, with stops in Multan, Sahiwal, and Hyderabad.
- Travel Time: Cut from 18–22 hours to just 5 hours.
- Cost: $6.8 billion (PKR 1.93 trillion), mainly financed by Chinese loans.
- Speed: Maximum 250 km/h, average 243 km/h.
- Tickets: Estimated PKR 5,000–10,000, cheaper than air travel.
Benefits for Pakistanis:
- Affordable & Faster Travel: Economy fares expected at PKR 5,000, making it accessible to students, professionals, and families.
- Economic Growth: Stronger trade between Lahore and Karachi, raising freight share from 4% to 20% by 2030.
- Job Creation: Thousands of jobs during construction and operations.
- Energy Savings: Lower reliance on expensive petrol and diesel.
- Regional Trade: Future connections to Kashgar and Central Asia via CPEC.
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Challenges Ahead:
The bullet train faces hurdles, including high costs, technical delays, and land acquisition disputes. With Pakistan’s limited foreign reserves, repaying Chinese loans could also be a challenge. Despite these obstacles, the project remains a historic leap forward for Pakistan’s railways.
What’s Next?
Feasibility has been completed, construction begins in 2026, test runs in 2029, and the official launch is expected by 2030. If successful, the Lahore-Karachi bullet train will rival air travel, offering fast, affordable, and eco-friendly connectivity across Pakistan.
