The federal government has approved a modern high-speed rail project that will connect Islamabad and Rawalpindi, reducing travel time between the twin cities to just 20 minutes.

A decision to this effect was made during a high-level meeting on Monday, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi.

The initiative is expected to save time and fuel, ease traffic congestion, and provide residents with a fast and affordable transportation option.

The meeting agreed to expedite the completion of the rail link from Margalla Station in Islamabad to Saddar Station in Rawalpindi.

The framework agreement for the project will be finalised and signed next week.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Railways will provide the track infrastructure while the CDA will manage the service.

The government also decided to import state-of-the-art trains to ensure modern, comfortable, and efficient operations.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the interior secretary, the secretary of railways, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman, the Rawalpindi commissioner, the Islamabad Police Inspector General, and Frontier Corps representatives.