Islamabad, September 15, 2025 – In a landmark move aimed at easing urban mobility, the federal government has approved the establishment of a modern high-speed rail service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The rail link, once operational, will cut travel time between the two cities to just 20 minutes, offering citizens a fast, reliable, and affordable transport alternative.
The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also in attendance. Senior officials, including the Federal Interior Secretary, Secretary of Railways, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rawalpindi Commissioner, Islamabad Police Inspector General, and Frontier Corps representatives, participated in the session.
Under the plan, the Ministry of Railways will provide track infrastructure, while the CDA will oversee service operations. The project will connect Margalla Station in Islamabad with Saddar Station in Rawalpindi. Officials confirmed that a framework agreement will be finalized next week, paving the way for importing state-of-the-art trains equipped with modern facilities to ensure passenger comfort and efficiency.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi described the service as a milestone project that will save fuel, reduce congestion, and improve public welfare. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the initiative reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of modernizing transport facilities in Islamabad and beyond. Minister of State Talal Chaudhry added that the new service will significantly reduce road traffic while promoting economic activity and environmental sustainability.
The government expects the high-speed rail to mark a new era in urban transportation for the twin cities.