Pakistan’s First Bullet Train Will Take You from Karachi to Lahore in 5 Hours

Pakistan Railways has announced plans to introduce a bullet train service between Karachi and Lahore, aiming to reduce travel time from nearly 20 hours to just five by the year 2030.

The high-speed train will run on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) corridor, a key component of the $6.8 billion upgrade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project spans 1,215 kilometers and is designed for speeds up to 250 km/h, with major stops in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal.

Chinese and Regional Backing

Speaking to the media, Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi described the initiative as a “visionary plan” that could transform transportation and commercial activity across the country. He credited technical support from Chinese firms, particularly China Railway Construction Corporation, for helping drive the project forward.

The ML-1 upgrade will include construction of a double-track line, the rebuilding of bridges, and the installation of modern signaling systems to improve safety and efficiency.

Economic Benefits

In addition to reducing travel time, the bullet train project is expected to:

• Create thousands of new jobs
• Boost trade between the southern and central regions
• Raise the rail freight share from 4% to 20%
• Reduce fuel imports by shifting freight from road to rail

Officials say the rail network will be critical to moving cargo, especially as Pakistan gears up for large-scale mineral exports like copper ore from the Reko Diq mine.

ADB Steps In

With delays in Chinese funding, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reportedly agreed to finance a $2 billion upgrade for the Karachi–Rohri section of the line. A consortium led by ADB is expected to finalize the agreement soon, with an international contractor to be appointed through a competitive process.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif earlier this year approved a Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train project, which aims to reduce travel time to 2.5 hours.

Digitization Plans

Pakistan Railways is also rolling out digitization and automation initiatives nationwide. These include:

• Computerized interlocking systems at key junctions like Landhi and Badal Nala
• A digital microwave radio system on the Karachi–Lahore route
• Push-to-talk digital communication networks across multiple divisions to improve coordination and safety