Pakistan Railways, in collaboration with the Punjab government, has announced a major expansion plan to introduce new train services across nine local routes in the province.

The agreement was signed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two sides, marking a significant step toward improving rail connectivity and infrastructure.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the project includes the construction of new tracks as well as the rehabilitation of old railway lines across Punjab.

One of the key highlights of the plan is a fast train service between Lahore and Rawalpindi, which is expected to complete the journey in just two and a half hours, significantly reducing travel time.

In addition to the high-speed route, eight new local train services will also be launched. The Punjab government will provide new locomotives and coaches to support the upgraded network.

The new routes include Shahdara to Narowal, Narowal to Sialkot, and Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan to Lodhran. Services will also run on Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, and Shorkot routes, as well as from Lala Musa, Mandi Bahauddin, and Sargodha. Another route from Faisalabad via Chak Jhumra is also part of the plan.

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A key interprovincial route from Kot Addu via Dera Ghazi Khan to Kashmore is also included in the project.

Officials said an automated safety system will be introduced to reduce railway accidents. Green parks will also be developed along the Shahdara to Raiwind section, while more than 400,000 trees will be planted along railway tracks across Punjab.