First airline of Punjab province approved
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
Sharif has given the green light for the launch of Air Punjab, the
province's first-ever airline, alongside the much-anticipated Lahore-Rawalpindi
bullet train project.
During a meeting held on Saturday,
CM Maryam reviewed the progress of both initiatives, officially approving the
launch of Air Punjab as a domestic airline in Pakistan. The airline is
set to begin operations with four Airbus aircraft, which will be leased
initially. Air Punjab aims to expand its reach internationally after a
successful first year, contingent on meeting service standards and securing the
necessary approvals.
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The airline’s international
operations will depend on various factors, including the approval process and
the demand for its services. On the infrastructure front, the Lahore-Rawalpindi
bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to just
two and a half hours. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will collaborate with
Pakistan Railways, exploring the possibility of a public-private partnership to
bring the project to fruition.
In addition, CM Maryam directed the
preparation of proposals for high-speed train services along six new routes in
Punjab, including Lahore-Shahdara-Narowal and Faisalabad-Chak
Jhumra-Shaheenabad.
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The meeting also highlighted the
progress of other mass transit projects, such as the Lahore Yellow Line and
Gujranwala Mass Transit Line, with completion dates now in sight.
Source: Daily Ausaf