Special train units will be brought in from China for the new high-speed service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which is set to launch on March 23, 2026.
The project is being developed jointly by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Railways to provide modern travel facilities for residents of the twin cities.
Officials said the service will operate between Saddar Railway Station in Rawalpindi and Margalla Railway Station in Islamabad.
The newly acquired diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains will cut travel time between the two cities to just 20 minutes. Under the plan, CDA will handle the operations while Pakistan Railways will look after the track infrastructure.
The proposed fare for the service is Rs50 for a one-way ticket. Authorities have also suggested extending Margalla Railway Station to the Ninth Avenue Metro Station to ensure smoother connectivity for passengers.
Once linked with the Metro network, the new service will provide direct access to important locations such as the Pak Secretariat, Islamabad International Airport, and Srinagar Highway.
This move is expected to greatly ease travel for office workers, students, and regular commuters.
At present, train travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi is only available through long-distance services like the Islamabad Express, which connects to Lahore and stops at both stations.
The upcoming dedicated high-speed service is being viewed as a significant step toward improving urban transport in the capital region.