ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a modern high-speed rail project to connect Islamabad and Rawalpindi, aiming to reduce travel time between the twin cities to just 20 minutes.
Officials say the service will save time and fuel, ease traffic congestion, and provide residents with a fast and affordable transport option.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting on Monday chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, senior bureaucrats, and representatives of the CDA, police, and Frontier Corps were also present.
Under the plan, the rail link will run from Margalla Station in Islamabad to Saddar Station in Rawalpindi.
The Ministry of Railways will provide track infrastructure while the CDA will oversee service operations. A framework agreement is expected to be signed next week, and officials confirmed that state-of-the-art trains will be imported to ensure modern and comfortable travel.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi described the project as a “milestone for public welfare,” while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the initiative reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of modern transport solutions for urban commuters.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry added that the rail service would offer a low-cost, high-speed alternative to road travel, significantly reducing traffic pressure on major arteries linking the two cities.
Authorities believe the project will not only ease commuting but also boost economic activity and promote environmental sustainability by shifting thousands of daily travelers to a faster, more efficient mode of transport.
