Pakistan Railways has officially confirmed in October 2025 that work on the country’s first-ever bullet train will begin in early 2026. This ambitious project aims to connect Lahore and Karachi in just 5 hours, completely transforming long-distance travel in Pakistan. The project is part of the CPEC ML-1 (Main Line 1) upgrade, with an investment of $6.8 billion (about PKR 1.93 trillion).
Latest October 2025 Developments
According to the latest update from the Ministry of Railways, the feasibility study has been completed, and final agreements with China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) are now being reviewed. Land surveys are in progress across Punjab and Sindh, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026. The target completion year remains 2030, but the government is pushing for early testing by 2029.
This high-speed train will be Pakistan’s first to run at 250 km/h, reducing travel time between Karachi and Lahore from 18–22 hours to just 5.
Key Features of the Bullet Train Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Lahore to Karachi (1,215 km) via Multan, Sahiwal, and Hyderabad |
| Travel Time | 5 hours (currently 18–22 hours) |
| Speed | 250 km/h (average 243 km/h) |
| Project Cost | $6.8 billion under CPEC funding |
| Start of Construction | 2026 |
| Expected Launch | 2030 |
| Operator | Pakistan Railways & China Railway Construction Corporation |
Ticket Prices and Booking
The train will have Economy and Business Class coaches.
- Economy Ticket: PKR 5,000–7,000
- Business Class: PKR 8,000–10,000
Tickets will be available through the Pakistan Railways mobile app, official website, and booking counters at major stations. Passengers will need a valid CNIC or passport for travel.
Challenges Ahead
While the mission guarantees progress, there are some hurdles. The high fee, land acquisition delays, and technical upgrades of previous tracks may also slow progress. However, authorities officers say that Chinese engineers and nearby groups are committed to meeting deadlines.
Final Words
The Lahore-Karachi Bullet Train 2030 is Pakistan’s boldest transport venture. With strong progress shown in the October 2025 release, the dream of traveling between Lahore and Karachi in just 5 hours is coming true. If completed on the timetable, this project will mark a brand new era of present-day, safe, and speedy travel in Pakistan – boosting the economy, tourism, and connectivity across the country.
DATE . Oct/14/2025
