Punjab Launches First Provincial Airline “Air Punjab” and Approves Bullet Train Project Between Lahore and Rawalpindi
Punjab is setting new milestones in Pakistan’s transportation sector by launching the country’s first provincial airline, “Air Punjab,” and approving a high-speed bullet train service between Lahore and Rawalpindi. The announcement was made by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, who confirmed that “Air Punjab” will be operational within eight months to a year. This landmark initiative received final approval in a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
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The airline will begin its operations with four leased Airbus aircraft, focusing initially on domestic routes. The government has already ordered immediate arrangements for acquiring the latest aircraft to ensure top-quality service. Following a successful year in domestic operations, Air Punjab plans to expand its services to international destinations, further boosting connectivity and economic growth.
Azma Bukhari expressed pride in this achievement, stating that Air Punjab will enhance convenience and mobility for the people of Pakistan. The provincial government aims to position Punjab as a leader in modern transportation solutions.
In parallel, Punjab has also approved a bullet train project that will significantly reduce travel time between Lahore and Rawalpindi to approximately two and a half hours. This high-speed rail service will be developed in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, with public-private partnership models under consideration to expedite the project’s implementation. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has been assigned to lead this collaboration and ensure timely progress.
The vision for modernizing Punjab’s rail infrastructure extends beyond the Lahore-Rawalpindi corridor. Plans are underway for additional high-speed train routes, including connections from Lahore to Shahdara and Narowal, Lahore to Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, and Lodhran, Sheikhupura Fort to Jaranwala and Shorkot, Shorkot to Jhang and Sargodha, Lala Musa to Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin and Malakwal, and Faisalabad to Chak Jhumra and Shaheenabad.
Azma Bukhari highlighted that Punjab is the first provincial government to actively pursue railway system upgrades, marking a significant step towards economic development and regional integration. She also reiterated that projects like these are essential for Pakistan’s progress, despite opposition from detractors of initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
