RAWALPINDI: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said that the Lahore-Islamabad high-speed train and six key railway routes in Punjab would be upgraded.

He revealed this after meeting with Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.

During the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was given regarding the plan to reduce the travel time of the Lahore-Islamabad train from the current four hours to two hours and 45 minutes.

The ministers said the project is part of the vision of the Punjab chief minister and aims to further improve the services of Pakistan Railways.

A strong commitment to collaboration between the Punjab government and Pakistan Railways was expressed, and discussions were held on key matters.

The meeting revealed that the train departing from Lahore will pass through Lalamusa, Dina and Gujar Khan before reaching Rawalpindi. Additionally, it was decided to restructure and double-track the Kalowal-Pindora section.

The project will increase the speed of trains between Lahore and Rawalpindi to 120 km/h, enhancing both travel convenience and transportation quality.

Furthermore, the reconstruction of all bridges, remodelling of station yards and other necessary measures will be undertaken, the minister said.

Maryam Aurangzeb called this project the “best gift for the public” and appreciated the efforts of Hanif Abbasi.

It was said that the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) has converted all the railway tracks from Kot Lakhpat to Shahdara into green belts. Additionally, approval has been granted to upgrade all stations from Lahore to Rawalpindi to international standards.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Minister of Punjab’s Advisor Shahid Tarar, chairman of planning & development, secretary of transport & mass transit, secretary of planning & development and secretary of railways.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Saturday said upgrading small railway stations across all divisions and districts was vital to increasing Pakistan Railways’ revenue.

Speaking at a ceremony in Sohawa, a tehsil of Jhelum, he said that by improving smaller stations, passengers would no longer have to travel to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar to board trains.

Bilal Azhar Kayani announced that from May 10, the Rehman Baba Express would stop at Jhelum Station and the Awam Express at Sohawa Station.

He said that initially, the two trains would stop at these stations on a trial basis for three months. After this period, the railway management would evaluate whether the stopovers are financially viable.

Later, addressing a large public gathering, the minister of state criticised India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—despite World Bank guarantees—and described it as illegal and a blatant violation of international law.

Bilal Azhar Kayani reiterated that India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is illegal and not recognised by any country worldwide.

He further alleged that India has been implicated in several killings abroad, including in Canada and the United States, and accused India of supporting terrorism within Pakistan.

These actions, he said, are clear evidence that India is not only violating international laws but also promoting terrorism globally.

Mr Kayani said that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India was a blatant violation and disrespect of international law and that Pakistan would use all legal options at international fora.

During his address, the minister of state said the Punjab government was upgrading health facilities, improving road infrastructure and mobilising educational institutions for enrollment.

Mr Kayani also inaugurated a revamped Basic Health Unit (BHU) at Surghdhan and distributed cheques of financial assistance to families whose members lost their lives in natural calamities.

The minister also led a public rally in support of the Pakistan Army, where people chanted slogans in favour of the armed forces and condemned Indian aggression.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2025