Pakistan will import modern train units from China for its first-ever dedicated high-speed service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, expected to launch on March 23, 2026, officials said on September 23.
The project, jointly undertaken by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Railways, marks another extension of Sino-Pak transport cooperation, aligning with China’s broader push to modernize Pakistan’s mobility infrastructure.
The new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains, sourced from China, will slash travel time between the twin cities to just 20 minutes, compared to current slower services. Operations will be overseen by CDA, while Pakistan Railways will maintain the track system.
Authorities are considering affordable fares at Rs 50 per trip and plan to extend the line to the Ninth Avenue Metro Station, ensuring seamless connection with Islamabad’s bus rapid transit network. Once integrated, commuters will gain direct access to the Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad International Airport, and Srinagar Highway.
Currently, Islamabad and Rawalpindi share only intercity train links like the Islamabad Express, which connect to Lahore. The new Chinese-supported service is being hailed as a game-changer for urban mobility, expected to ease congestion, cut commuting costs, and benefit office workers, students, and daily travellers.
Officials stressed that the project is not only about convenience but also part of a larger effort to bring Chinese technology into Pakistan’s urban infrastructure development, a hallmark of the growing partnership under the CPEC framework.
