Plans for the much-talked-about Murree glass train project are gaining momentum, and now a new proposal could make it even more convenient for tourists, residents, and international visitors. The project consultant has suggested that the train line be linked directly with Islamabad International Airport (IIA) via Faizabad, turning it into a flawless travel corridor from the airport to the hill station of Murree.
From Islamabad to Murree: A Scenic High-Tech Route
The Punjab government is preparing to launch the glass train from the area between Lake View Park and Bhara Kahu bypass all the way up to Pindi Point in Murree.
As per the completed feasibility study, the project will feature a 40 km track, starting from the Bhara Kahu bypass and ending at Pindi Point.
Most of this route is planned to be elevated, permitting passengers to enjoy stunning views of the hills, forests and valleys without traffic interruptions.
Recently, a delegation from the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister’s Adviser Shahid Ashraf Tarar, visited CDA headquarters and met CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and board members. During the meeting, Punjab officials proposed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) consider connecting the glass train with Islamabad International Airport to maximize its utility.
Using Existing Metro Track: Airport to Faizabad Corridor
In follow-up meetings, the project consultant, NESPAK shared a pre-feasibility report with CDA officials. One of the key suggestions was that the existing metro bus track from the airport to Faizabad could be used or integrated for an elevated monorail or glass train system.
Read more: Elevated monorail project has been announced to link Islamabad with Murree
Under this proposal:
• From Islamabad Airport to Faizabad, the current metro corridor can serve as the base alignment.
• From Faizabad to near Bhara Kahu bypass, a new 13 km elevated track would be constructed.
• This new track would link to the main station, to be developed between Lake View Park and Bhara Kahu bypass.
This would permit a continuous travel chain:
Airport → Faizabad → Lake View Park/Bhara Kahu → Murree (Pindi Point)
In later phases, there is also a suggestion to extend the line from Rawat to Faizabad via the Islamabad Expressway, connecting more parts of the region with the monorail network at Faizabad.
A Tourism and Connectivity Boost
Officials keep on saying that the project is not just about transport. It’s about transforming tourism and accessibility. By linking the glass train to the airport, the government’s wish is to make it easier for:
• Tourists to land in Islamabad and directly access Murree without worrying about road congestion.
• Foreign delegations and visitors to quickly reach the capital and the hill station.
• Local families to enjoy a faster, safer, and more scenic journey to the mountains.
The track is expected to pass somewhere near the old Murree Road, giving riders a panoramic view of one of the most historic and scenic routes in the country.
Murree’s Terrain: A Feasible but Ambitious Project
Some people wonder whether such a rail project is practical in Murree’s hilly terrain. But Punjab government officials have pointed out that Murree is at an elevation of around 2,200 metres, and historically, projects at similar heights have been successfully built. They often cite the example of Shimla in India, where a railway link was laid in 1906, at an elevation of about 2,205 metres during the British era.
This comparison is used to argue that modern engineering and technology can easily support an elevated glass train or monorail system in Murree today.
Read more: Murree introduces eco-friendly electric cart service for tourists
Political Backing and Next Steps
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been personally pushing for an early start to the Murree glass train project. In a recent gathering in Murree, she reiterated that the project would be launched soon, signalling strong political backing at the highest level.
For now:
• NESPAK has completed the pre-feasibility,
• CDA will move towards a full feasibility study,
• And further decisions will be taken on financing models, including whether the project should be executed through a public–private partnership (PPP).
An official from CDA summed it up by saying that discussions are ongoing, but there is clear intent to move forward.
If realised as suggested, the Murree glass train linked with Islamabad Airport via Faizabad could become one of Pakistan’s most iconic transport and tourism projects which is blending modern infrastructure, scenic travel, and regional connectivity in a way the twin cities have never seen before.