Business Desk 
Aug 25, 2025
As part of its modernisation efforts, Pakistan Railways is set to launch a high-speed bullet train service between Lahore and Karachi by 2030.
The Karachi-Lahore bullet train project will significantly reduce travel time between the two provincial capitals from 20 hours to just five hours.
According to Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, the 1215-kilometre-long high-speed rail line is part of the $6.8 billion ML-1 upgrade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
High-speed bullet train project
The minister stated that the new bullet trains will operate at speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, with major stops planned in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal.
Notably, the bullet train project is being developed with support from China, and the China Railway Construction Corporation is expected to play a significant role in the implementation.
Upgrades under the project will include dual tracks, reconstructed bridges, and a state-of-the-art signalling system.
Beyond offering faster and more efficient passenger travel, the high-speed rail line is expected to increase Pakistan’s freight capacity, increasing the rail share from 4% to 20% by 2030.
According to officials, the project will provide thousands of jobs during both construction and operational phases.
Additionally, the shift to rail is projected to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on expensive road transport, potentially saving billions in fuel imports.
Pakistan Railways currently operates over 7,700 kilometres of track but faces chronic issues due to decades of neglect and mismanagement.
