The ambitious $6.8 billion project is part of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) upgrade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of the biggest transport projects in Pakistani history, Gulf News reported on Sunday.

As per the report, the high-speed train will run over a 1,215-kilometre distance with major halt points in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal. With a speed of up to 250 km/h, it will be a quicker, yet cheaper, option than domestic air travel.

The cost of tickets is likely to fall between PKR 5,000 and 10,000—well below the average air price of PKR 20,000 to 30,000, making it economical for students, business professionals, and families alike.

The ML-1 upgrade will entail the installation of double tracks, rebuilding bridges, and installing contemporary signalling systems to substitute Pakistan s old railway network, presently capping speeds at 60–105 km/h. Furthermore, Punjab has also sanctioned an independent Lahore–Rawalpindi bullet train, reducing travel time between the two cities to a mere two and a half hours.

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Lahore–Karachi bullet train construction will start in 2026, with test runs commencing in 2029 and full operations by 2030. The route will initially have 10 to 15 daily trips.

Authorities point out that the project will create thousands of employment opportunities, enhance regional trade, and increase Pakistan s freight rail share from 4% to 20% by 2030.