LAHORE: In a major infrastructure development, Pakistan Railways has unveiled an ambitious plan to launch a high-speed bullet train service between Lahore and Karachi, aiming to significantly cut travel time and boost economic connectivity.
The project, a key feature of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), involves building a 1,215-kilometer dedicated rail line. With an estimated cost of $6.8 billion, the project is being developed with assistance from China and will be executed with the help of the China Railway Construction Corporation.
The bullet train is designed to travel at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour. This high velocity will reduce the current travel time between the two major cities by approximately five hours.
The route will not only connect Lahore and Karachi but will also pass through other important urban centers including Multan, Sahiwal, and Hyderabad, improving regional connectivity.
The comprehensive plan includes laying new double tracks, reconstructing old bridges, and installing a state-of-the-art signaling system to ensure safety and efficiency.
Officials state that beyond providing a fast, comfortable, and safe travel option for the public, the massive project is also expected to create thousands of new job opportunities during its construction and operational phases. The targeted completion date for this transformative project is 2030.
