Pakistan Railways has revealed a major new plan: a high-speed bullet train that will run between Karachi and Lahore. The goal is to cut today’s long 20-hour journey down to only five hours by the year 2030.
This project is a key part of the ML-1 upgrade, a massive $6.8 billion development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The new train line will be 1,215 km long and will allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h. Important stops will include Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi called the project a “visionary step” that will completely change travel and business activity between Lahore and Karachi. He added that Chinese support—especially from the China Railway Construction Corporation—will help strengthen Pakistan’s transportation system with modern tracks, new bridges, and advanced signalling technology.
Create thousands of new jobs
Improve trade between major cities
Increase Pakistan Railways’ freight share from 4% to nearly 20% by 2030
Reduce pressure on road transport, helping save billions in fuel imports
The faster service will not only help passengers but also make goods transportation cheaper and more efficient across the country.
Other High-Speed Rail Projects
Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved another high-speed train project between Lahore and Rawalpindi, which aims to reduce travel time to just 2.5 hours.
At the same time, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to support a $2 billion upgrade of the Karachi–Rohri rail section, stepping in where Chinese funding slowed down. This 500-km stretch is important for transporting copper ore from the upcoming Reko Diq mine. A consortium led by ADB is expected to finalize contracts soon.
Digital Transformation of Pakistan Railways
Alongside these projects, Pakistan Railways is working on a countrywide digital upgrade. This includes:
New computerized interlocking systems at major junctions
A modern digital microwave communication system on the Karachi–Lahore route
Push-to-Talk digital communication networks for safer and faster coordination across divisions
These improvements will make operations safer, quicker, and more reliable nationwide.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s plan to introduce a Karachi–Lahore bullet train marks a major step forward in modernizing the country’s rail network. With international support, new technology, and major infrastructure upgrades, Pakistan Railways is set to offer faster travel, better freight services, and stronger economic connections in the coming years.
