Fast train project between Islamabad-Rawalpindi will be integrated with feeder electric buses

To ease traffic blockage between the twin cities, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Pakistan Railways have finalised a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a dedicated Islamabad–Rawalpindi train project.

Acting on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the CDA will also carry out a feasibility study to guarantee the project is both practical and sustainable. 

Learning from Past Failures 

Officials are cautious this time, recalling how a similar service launched in the 1990s between Margalla Station and Saddar Rawalpindi collapsed within three months due to a lack of passengers.

Despite efforts such as connecting wagon and coach services, ridership remained low, with barely a few dozen commuters per trip. This memory is actually a reminder that careful planning and integration will be highly important to avoid repeating history. 

Focus on Electric Trains and Feeder Buses 

Unlike the traditional trains of the past, the new project envisions a modern high-speed electric train supported by a feeder bus network. These buses will connect key neighborhoods and educational institutions to the main stations, ensuring greater accessibility for commuters.

Read more: Islamabad–Rawalpindi to get high-speed rail service, cutting travel time to just 20 minutes

Officials believe this integration will solve the ridership problem, especially since Sector H-9 — where Margalla Station is located — houses numerous universities and colleges. 

Complementing Existing Metro Service 

The proposed train will complement, not compete with, the metro bus service that already runs between Saddar Rawalpindi and Pak Secretariat. With traffic growing each year, authorities keep on arguing that multiple efficient transit systems are required to cater to the rising population of the twin cities. 

Government’s Ambitious Timeline 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set an ambitious target, aiming to launch the service by March 23 next year. The draft MoU keeps on suggesting that CDA may import and operate the trains, while Railways will provide the track and manage maintenance. 

Towards a Safer and Greener Future 

CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa kept on emphasizing that the project is designed not just for convenience but also for sustainability. By offering affordable, safe, and eco-friendly travel, the Islamabad–Pindi train could mark the starting of a new era in urban mobility for the capital region of Pakistan.