Pakistan approves new airline ‘Air Punjab’ and country’s first bullet train project
Air Punjab to lease four aircraft with flights expected within a year
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially approved the launch of Air Punjab, the province’s first-ever airline, and Pakistan’s inaugural bullet train project.
At a high-level meeting in Lahore, the chief minister instructed authorities to immediately lease four Airbus aircraft to kickstart Air Punjab’s operations. She emphasised the need to uphold international service standards, safety protocols, and operational excellence to establish the new airline as the country's leading carrier.
In parallel, Maryam Nawaz granted principle approval for a Lahore-to-Rawalpindi bullet train, a historic move in Pakistan’s transport evolution, reducing travel time to just 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Air Punjab launch
Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that Air Punjab is expected to begin operations within eight months to a year. At a presser yesterday, she confirmed the provincial government’s initiative was first proposed in November 2024, following challenges in the federal government’s attempt to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Air Punjab will operate domestic flights initially, with the prospect of expanding to international routes after completing one year of service. Bokhari highlighted that formalities for licensing and leasing are underway, and efforts are being made to position Air Punjab as a model for future provincial aviation initiatives.
Bullet train project
The Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train project will be developed in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, with public-private partnerships among the financing options under consideration.
Besides the flagship route, Maryam Nawaz has requested feasibility studies for six additional high-speed train corridors across Punjab. Proposed routes include Lahore to Narowal via Shahdara, Lahore to Lodhran via Raiwind and Pakpattan, Sheikhupura to Shorkot, Shorkot to Sargodha via Jhang, Lala Musa to Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin, and Faisalabad to Shahinabad through Chak Jhumra.
The bullet train project aims to revamp and modernise the province’s railway system, aligning with broader efforts to boost economic activity and connectivity.
Urban transport projects
Maryam Nawaz also reviewed key urban mass transit projects, directing the completion of the Lahore Yellow Line study – running from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura – by 30 May, and the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line study by 15 June.
Progress was shared on Punjab’s upcoming e-taxi initiative, which complements the government’s broader strategy to modernise public transport.