Punjab is making history by launching Pakistan’s first provincial airline, "Air Punjab", and introducing a bullet train service between Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced that "Air Punjab" will become operational within the next eight months to a year.
In a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the "Air Punjab" project received final approval. The first four Airbus aircraft for the airline will be leased immediately, with plans to initially focus on domestic flights. Urgent arrangements have been ordered for leasing the latest aircraft. After completing a successful year of operations, Air Punjab will also expand to international routes.
Speaking to the media, Azma Bukhari said, "This is a proud moment for Punjab. Air Punjab will soon be ready to provide its services across Pakistan, bringing convenience and connectivity to the people."
In another major development, Punjab also gave in-principle approval to a bullet train project between Lahore and Rawalpindi. This high-speed train is expected to cut the travel time between the two cities to about two and a half hours.
The bullet train will be operated in partnership with Pakistan Railways, and public-private partnership options, among others, are also under review to speed up the project.
The chief minister has tasked Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb with overseeing collaboration with Pakistan Railways for the bullet train initiative.
The ambitious plan doesn’t stop at just one route. Plans were also discussed for launching high-speed train services on six additional routes, including:
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Lahore to Shahdara and Narowal
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Lahore to Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, and Lodhran
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Sheikhupura Fort to Jaranwala and Shorkot
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Shorkot to Jhang and Sargodha
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Lala Musa to Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin and Malakwal
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Faisalabad to Chak Jhumra and Shaheenabad
Azma Bukhari emphasized that Punjab is the first provincial government to take active steps in upgrading the railway system. She also highlighted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continued to be a problem for Pakistan’s enemies.
