Govt Announces High-Speed Rail Service for Islamabad, Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced plans to launch a modern, high-speed rail service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi in a move aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving public transport in the twin cities.

The service, which will operate between Margalla Station in Islamabad and Saddar Station in Rawalpindi, is expected to reduce travel time to just 20 minutes, offering what officials described as a fast, affordable and eco-friendly alternative for thousands of daily commuters.

The decision was finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with senior officials including the federal secretaries for interior and railways, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman, commissioner Rawalpindi, and top law enforcement officials, also attended the session.

According to officials, a framework agreement for the project is likely to be finalised and signed next week. Under the plan, the Ministry of Railways will be responsible for track infrastructure, while the CDA will oversee management and operation of the service. Modern trains will be imported specifically for this route.

Read More

PCB director suspended over delayed response to handshake row

Speaking on the occasion, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi termed the initiative “the best public welfare project”, adding that it would save both time and fuel while providing a reliable transit option. “This project will allow citizens to travel between the twin cities quickly and easily, in about 20 minutes,” he said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the project reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of public relief and urban development. “Once completed, this initiative will provide modern and quality travel facilities to thousands of citizens every day,” he remarked.

Minister of State Talal Chaudhry noted that the new service would provide a low-cost, fast and efficient solution to the growing traffic woes of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. “This will not only benefit commuters but also significantly reduce traffic pressure on roads,” he said.