Pakistan Railways has unveiled plans to introduce a bullet train service between Lahore and Karachi, aiming to slash travel time from the current 20 hours to just five hours.

According to media reports, the high-speed rail, which will operate along a 1,215-kilometre route, is part of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) initiative and will be completed with China’s cooperation.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, who announced the plan, stated that the project falls under the broader ML-1 upgrade plan, which includes a 1,687-kilometre railway corridor stretching from Karachi to Peshawar, valued at $6.7 billion.

Abbasi said the high-speed rail would not only modernise Pakistan’s railway network but also provide a cheaper and faster alternative to air travel.

The project will be executed with the support of Chinese firms, including the China Railway Construction Corporation.

Trains on the new bullet route will operate at speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, with major stops in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal.

The project includes the construction of new double tracks, reconstructed bridges, and a modern signal system.

The bullet train initiative is expected to be completed by 2030, and is aimed at creating thousands of jobs, boosting regional trade, and increasing the freight share of Pakistan Railways from 4% to 20% by 2030.

Ticket prices are expected to range between Rs5,000 and Rs10,000 for economy and business class, making it affordable to students, professionals, and families, according to media reports.