Pakistan’s capital region is set for a modern transport upgrade as China will provide special train units for the Islamabad–Rawalpindi high-speed rail service, scheduled to launch on March 23, 2026. The project, developed jointly by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Railways, promises faster, affordable, and more efficient travel between the twin cities.
This initiative builds on earlier efforts to improve public mobility in the capital. Currently, train travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi is limited to long-distance routes like the Islamabad Express. The new service aims to fill this gap by offering dedicated high-speed connectivity within the metropolitan region.
According to officials, the service will operate between Saddar Railway Station (Rawalpindi) and Margalla Railway Station (Islamabad), using new diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains that will cut travel time to just 20 minutes. The CDA will handle operations, while Pakistan Railways will maintain infrastructure. A fare of Rs. 50 per trip has been proposed to keep the service widely accessible.
Plans are also underway to extend the line to Ninth Avenue Metro Station, ensuring seamless integration with Islamabad’s Metro Bus network. This would allow commuters easy access to key destinations such as the Pak Secretariat, Srinagar Highway, and Islamabad International Airport.
Officials believe this project will redefine urban transport in the twin cities, reducing congestion, saving time, and providing affordable travel options.
Will this high-speed service become a model for modern urban rail across Pakistan, or face the same operational hurdles as past projects?