Punjab govt announces launch of Air Punjab & Bullet Train Project

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced two major projects on Saturday: the province’s first airline, Air Punjab, and Pakistan’s first bullet train connecting Lahore and Rawalpindi. The decisions were finalized during a key meeting led by the Chief Minister.

Air Punjab: A New Era for Domestic Travel

The new airline, Air Punjab, will start with domestic flights. International routes will begin after one year. To launch operations, the government will lease four modern Airbus aircraft. Maryam Nawaz instructed officials to ensure Air Punjab becomes “the best airline in Pakistan” by completing all preparations quickly.

This initiative aims to improve connectivity within Pakistan and reduce reliance on existing airlines. It is Punjab’s first government-owned airline, marking a step toward modernizing regional transport.

Lahore-Rawalpindi Bullet Train: Cutting Travel Time

The bullet train project will slash travel time between Lahore and Rawalpindi from roughly 4–5 hours to just 2.5 hours. The high-speed train will be developed with Pakistan Railways. The government is also considering a public-private partnership (a mix of government and private companies) to fund the project.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has been tasked to lead coordination with Pakistan Railways. The train is expected to boost economic ties, tourism, and daily commuting between the two cities.

• Air Punjab: Focus on hiring staff, setting up routes, and finalizing ticket systems.

• Bullet Train: Surveys and feasibility studies will begin soon to plan the track route and stations.

No start dates were announced, but the projects highlight Punjab’s push for advanced infrastructure.