ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will import modern train units from China for its first-ever dedicated high-speed service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, officials confirmed on September 23.
The service, jointly developed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Railways, is expected to launch on March 23, 2026, according to a report by Gwadar Pro.
The new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains, manufactured in China, will cut travel time between the twin cities to just 20 minutes — a significant improvement over the current intercity services such as the Islamabad Express, which primarily link to Lahore.
Operations of the new service will fall under the CDA, while Pakistan Railways will be responsible for maintaining the track system. Authorities are proposing commuter-friendly fares of Rs 50 per trip.
Plans are also under consideration to extend the line to the Ninth Avenue Metro Station, creating a direct link to Islamabad’s bus rapid transit network. This integration will provide commuters with streamlined access to key destinations including the Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad International Airport, and Srinagar Highway.
Officials described the project as a potential game-changer for urban mobility in the capital region, easing congestion and cutting commuting costs for office workers, students, and daily travellers.
Beyond its immediate benefits, the venture is being highlighted as another milestone in Sino-Pak transport cooperation, reinforcing China’s role in modernising Pakistan’s urban infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
