RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD — August 31, 2026 — A new era in Pakistan's transport infrastructure began today as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the modernized first section of Main Line 1 (ML-1) and launched the nation's first high-speed "Green Super Express."
The Green Super Express, a project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) revitalisation plan, represents a significant leap forward, utilizing upgraded, modern tracks to achieve speeds of 160 km/h, fundamentally altering connectivity between major Pakistani cities. The initial upgraded section connects Rawalpindi to Lahore in under two hours, a historical achievement for Pakistan Railways.
CPEC’s Railway Landmark Achieved
Speaking at a prestigious inauguration ceremony at the newly renovated Rawalpindi Railway Station, attended by senior Chinese dignitaries and military leadership, Prime Minister Shehbaz described the launch as "CPEC's modern railway milestone."
The ML-1 modernization project, which had faced significant delays in previous years, is designed to replace old, colonial-era infrastructure with a computerized, double-track system. The Green Super Express features state-of-the-art safety systems, electronic switching, and enhanced passenger comfort, including high-speed internet and panoramic views.
Transformative Regional Impact and Cost Reduction
Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique, confirmed that this phase of the project, including the new train, has reduced the Islamabad-Lahore journey from over four hours to just under two. He added that the second phase, targeting the upgrade of track to Multan, is ahead of schedule.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the economic implications: "By modernizing ML-1 and introducing high-speed cargo services, we are slashing logistics costs by 40%. This is not just a train for passengers; it is the backbone of our future trade and regional integration, connecting Karachi Port directly to China and Central Asia."
The full upgrade of the 1,872 km ML-1 route (Karachi to Peshawar) is targeted for completion by 2029.
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