Elevated monorail project has been announced to link Islamabad with Murree

The long-discussed Islamabad–Murree monorail project is finally gaining momentum as the Punjab government wraps up the feasibility phase and shifts attention toward execution. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been closely overseeing the initiative and has reportedly given departments to fast-track the launch. 

Initially, the government planned to initiate the first stretch of the monorail from near Lake View Park in Islamabad and end it at Pindi Point in Murree. However, recent consultations have led to an expansion in scope.

The new proposal keeps on suggesting that extending the line all the way to the Islamabad International Airport, making it more accessible for both domestic and international tourists heading to the hill station. 

The planned monorail route will span around 40 kilometers, with much of the track expected to be elevated. Experts involved in the project claim the terrain near the old Murree Road is suitable for such a system, making construction more feasible than earlier assumed. 

Officials keep on confirming that the feasibility study is complete, and the next step is the procurement process for track development. Once construction starts, the government intends to complete the project within two years. 

Read more: Green Line bus and train service announced for Murree

A recent meeting between the Punjab government and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has emphasized on finding the most practical alignment for linking the airport to the monorail route. One option under review involves using the right of way along Srinagar Highway, running from the airport to Peshawar Mor, and then potentially extending the line toward Lake View Park. 

The CDA has also floated ideas to link the monorail with existing railway infrastructure at Margalla and Rawat stations, which could improve connectivity and minimize future expansion costs. Both the CDA and Punjab authorities have agreed to carry out a pre-feasibility study for the airport-to-Lake View section before officially locking in the route. 

For now, the project is considered as an ambitious attempt to improve tourism, ease travel to Murree and offer a modern transport alternative to the often-congested highway. If executed as planned, the monorail could become one of the region’s most significant infrastructure developments in recent years.