by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has green‑lit two landmark transportation projects: Air Punjab, the province’s first own airline, and Pakistan’s first-ever bullet train service. These initiatives mark historic shifts in the region’s travel infrastructure and economic connectivity.
1. Introducing Air Punjab: The Sky’s the Limit
- Provincial airline approval: In April 2025, the CM chaired a high-level meeting approving Air Punjab, making Punjab the first provincial government in Pakistan to launch its own airline.
- Four Airbus aircraft leased immediately: The government has already leased four Airbus jets to kick off domestic operations, with plans to expand internationally after the first year.
- Statement of ambition: Information Minister Azma Bokhari emphasized that operations are expected to begin in eight months to a year. The aim is for Air Punjab to meet international service standards and become the nation’s best airline.
2. Pakistan’s First Bullet Train Between Lahore & Rawalpindi
- Fast and efficient rail link: A new bullet train is earmarked to connect Lahore and Rawalpindi in just 2 hours 20 minutes, significantly faster than existing options.
- Public‑private partnership under review: Officials are exploring PPP models in collaboration with Pakistan Railways to deliver the project efficiently.
- Expansion across Punjab: CM Maryam requested feasibility studies and proposals for high-speed rail on six additional corridors, including:
- Lahore → Shahdara → Narowal
- Lahore → Raiwind → Kasur → Pakpattan → Lodhran
- Sheikhupura → Jaranwala → Shorkot
- Shorkot → Jhang → Sargodha
- Lala Musa → Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin and Malikwal
- Faisalabad → Chak Jhumra → Shaheenaba.
Additionally, a “Glass Train” scenic service to Murree is being proposed to attract tourists with panoramic views en route.
3. Broader Transit Revamp: Mass Transit & Urban Mobility
Alongside these major initiatives, Punjab is fast‑tracking urban transit projects:
- Revisiting the Lahore Yellow Line and Gujranwala Mass Transit Line, with feasibility studies set for completion by May and June 2025 respectively,
- Rolling out an e-taxi project to modernize last-mile connectivity in city centers. CM Punjab Set to Transform Travel with New Airline and High-Speed Rail.
🛫 Why This Matters
- Boosting regional connectivity
Air Punjab will improve access between Punjab’s major cities, while the bullet train will connect Lahore and Rawalpindi in record time. Six corridors will further knit together towns across the province. - Stimulating economic growth
Faster transport networks support trade, tourism, and business. A scenic Glass Train to Murree could be transformative for local tourism. - Provincial leadership on infrastructure
By launching these projects independently, Punjab sets a new precedent—taking action at the provincial level where federal initiatives have lagged (e.g. delays in PIA privatization.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities & Challenges
- Timeline: Air Punjab aims to launch within eight months to a year. Bullet train preparations are underway, but construction typically spans multiple years depending on funding and contractor readiness.
- Funding model clarity: While public‑private partnership is under consideration, details on financing and foreign technical collaboration are yet to be disclosed.
- Execution hurdles: Ambitious multi-route high-speed rail systems require careful planning, land acquisition, and coordination with Pakistan Railways—challenges that will require sustained oversight.
- The announcements in April 2025 mark a turning point for Punjab’s infrastructure ambitions. If executed as envisioned, Air Punjab and the bullet train network could revolutionize mobility across the province—delivering faster, safer, and more modern travel options. With continued momentum, Punjab stands to pioneer a new era in regional transport, boosting tourism, trade, and mobility for millions.
