The Punjab government has signed an agreement with Pakistan Railways to launch new fast and local train services across the province. The agreement aims to improve transport connectivity and reduce travel time for passengers. The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi.
Under the new plan, a fast train service will operate between Lahore and Rawalpindi. This route is expected to reduce travel time to around two hours and fifteen minutes. Officials said this project will significantly improve long-distance travel within Punjab.
The agreement also includes the development of eight local routes covering approximately 1,415 kilometers. These routes will connect 20 different regions of the province. The Railways network expansion is designed to improve access between major cities and smaller towns.
According to officials, trains will run on multiple key routes. These include Shahdara to Narowal and onward to Sialkot. Other routes will connect Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, and Lodhran. The expansion plan is part of a broader effort to modernize Pakistan Railways services in Punjab.
Additional services will also operate between Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, and Shorkot. Another route will link Lala Musa, Malakwal, and Sargodha. Officials said these routes will help improve daily commuting for thousands of passengers.
The plan further includes a route connecting Faisalabad with Chak Jhumra and Shahinabad. An interprovincial route from Kot Addu to Kashmore via Dera Ghazi Khan is also part of the agreement. This will strengthen regional connectivity through Railways infrastructure.
Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi said the project will benefit around 90 million people. He added that improved train services will make travel more affordable and efficient. The initiative is expected to reduce pressure on road transport as well.
Authorities believe that the expansion of Railways services will support economic activity in Punjab. Better connectivity is also expected to help trade, education, and employment opportunities. Officials say this project is part of long-term transport reforms.
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Overall, the agreement marks a major step toward modernizing Pakistan Railways in Punjab. The introduction of fast and local train services is expected to improve daily travel for millions of passengers across the province.
