CM Punjab Approves Air Punjab and Bullet Train Projects
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 28, 2025
- 1:51 pm
- 55
- Trending
Air Punjab launch has been officially approved by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif during a high-level meeting on Saturday. This move is a big step towards improving transport and aviation facilities in Punjab. CM Maryam Nawaz ordered immediate action to lease four Airbus planes for the Air Punjab launch. She wants domestic flights to begin within Pakistan as soon as possible.
She said that Air Punjab must meet international standards in service, safety, and quality. The goal is to make it one of the best airlines in the country. After completing its first year of domestic operations, the airline plans to expand internationally.
Besides the Air Punjab launch, CM Maryam Nawaz also approved the Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train project. This bullet train will reduce travel time between the two cities to about two and a half hours. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will manage the project with Pakistan Railways. Authorities are looking at a public-private partnership model for this important project.
Plans for New High-Speed Trains
The chief minister also asked for proposals for six more high-speed train routes in Punjab. The proposed routes are:
- Lahore–Shahdara–Narowal
- Lahore–Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpattan–Lodhran
- Sheikhupura–Jaranwala–Shorkot
- Shorkot–Jhang–Sargodha
- Lala Musa–Sargodha via Malakwal
- Faisalabad–Chak Jhumra–Shaheenabad
Progress on Mass Transit Projects
During the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz reviewed other big projects. She ordered quick progress on the Lahore Yellow Line and Gujranwala Mass Transit Line. The Yellow Line’s feasibility study must be completed by May 30. The Gujranwala Mass Transit study must be finished by June 15. These projects aim to modernize public transport in key cities across Punjab.
Eco-Friendly Transport and Urban Cleaning
The e-taxi project was also discussed. This service will offer eco-friendly travel options for people in urban areas. CM Maryam Nawaz said that these projects will raise Punjab’s transport system to modern international standards.
At the same time, efforts to beautify and clean major urban areas are going strong. A huge operation recently cleared illegal encroachments and bus stands on Murree Road in Rawalpindi. Officials also cracked down on drug peddlers. These efforts are making public spaces safer and cleaner.
Official Updates from the Government
Information Minister Azma Bokhari shared more details at a press conference. She confirmed that Air Punjab is expected to start operations within eight months to a year. Bokhari said that the idea of Air Punjab came after the federal government failed to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Punjab decided not to take part in that process. Instead, they chose to launch their own airline.
Azma Bokhari proudly noted that no one had ever thought of starting a provincial airline before. She also added that Air Punjab would soon provide excellent services to people across Pakistan. Bokhari also announced the bullet train project. She explained that travel between Lahore and Rawalpindi would become much faster and easier.
Lahore Named Tourism Capital 2027
Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz celebrated another success. She announced that Lahore had been declared the “Tourism Capital 2027” at the sixth ECO Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Erzurum, Turkiye. She thanked the ECO countries. She promised that Lahore, with its rich history and colorful culture, would welcome the world with open arms.
