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Punjab Approves Air Punjab Airline and Bullet Train Projects
Punjab takes off! CM Maryam Nawaz approves Air Punjab airline and Pakistan’s first bullet train from Lahore to Rawalpindi.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-26
Punjab Approves Air Punjab Airline and Bullet Train Projects

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced on Saturday that the provincial government has approved the launch of its own airline, Air Punjab, with operations expected to begin within a year. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bokhari revealed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had given the go-ahead for the project in a meeting held a few days ago.

“Pakistan is ready to operate its first provincial airline, Air Punjab,” Bokhari said. She added that four aircraft would be leased immediately and that licensing and other formalities were already underway. Airlines in Pakistan are required to operate domestically for at least a year before expanding internationally, but Bokhari expressed confidence that Air Punjab would be ready to serve local travelers within months.

The idea of Air Punjab was initially floated in November 2024 after the federal government’s failed attempt to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Despite early suggestions from PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to consider acquiring PIA, the Punjab government ultimately decided to establish a new airline instead of participating in the federal bidding process.

In addition to the airline project, Bokhari also announced another major development: the launch of Pakistan’s first bullet train. The high-speed train will operate between Lahore and Rawalpindi, completing the journey in just two hours and 20 minutes. The Punjab government will collaborate with Pakistan Railways on this ambitious project.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also directed planning for high-speed trains across six other routes in Punjab, including Lahore to Shahdara and Narowal, Lahore to Raiwind and Kasur, Pakpattan to Lodhran, Sheikhupura to Shorkot, Shorkot to Sargodha via Jhang, and Lala Musa to Sargodha via Malakwal.

Bokhari stressed that the Railway Department in Punjab would undergo a complete revamp as part of these developments.

The announcements signal a bold move by Punjab’s government to invest heavily in modern transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity, reflecting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for a progressive and economically vibrant province.

 
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