Pakistan’s First Glass Train: A Scenic Revolution from Islamabad to Murree

Imagine gliding through the misty hills of the Margalla range, the wind whispering against glass walls as pine forests and valleys unfold below like a living postcard. That’s the promise of Pakistan’s inaugural glass train, set to whisk passengers from the bustle of Islamabad to the cool embrace of Murree in under an hour. Announced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, this eco-friendly electric monorail isn’t just transport—it’s a gateway to adventure, blending cutting-edge design with the raw beauty of northern Pakistan. As construction ramps up, travel enthusiasts are buzzing about how this project could redefine hill station getaways.

The Birth of a Bold Idea

The Murree Glass Train project has been simmering since 2015, but it’s under the current Punjab government that it’s truly accelerated. Initially envisioned as a simple rail link, the concept evolved into a panoramic wonder inspired by similar scenic routes like India’s Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla line. The goal? To ease the notorious traffic jams on the Islamabad-Murree highway, especially during peak seasons when families flock to the hills for snow or summer escapes.

In late 2024, the Punjab government formed an 18-member task force, roping in departments from transport to environment, to hammer out the details. National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) led the feasibility study, which wrapped up by April 30, 2025, greenlighting the first phase. Officials point out that the terrain is no stranger to rails—British engineers built a line to Shimla in 1906 at a similar 2,200-meter elevation, proving it’s doable. “This isn’t just a train; it’s a lifeline for tourism that’s been choked by roads for too long,” says Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, who inspected the Margalla site earlier this year.

What makes it “glass”? The coaches will feature floor-to-ceiling transparent panels, turning the ride into an immersive visual feast. Picture sipping chai while spotting monkeys in the trees or watching the sun dip behind jagged peaks. And it’s built to last: a cog-and-pinion system handles steep inclines (one foot up every 12 feet), with a central safety track between dual rails for stability, even in snow.

Mapping the Journey: Route and Stations

At its core, the train covers a swift 40-kilometer elevated monorail from Lake View Park in Islamabad to a station near the Murree bus stop—zipping through in about 40 minutes flat. That’s a game-changer compared to the usual two-hour crawl up the hairpin bends.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stops, designed to sprinkle convenience along the way:

Station	Location Highlights	Why It Matters
Lake View Park	Starting point near Bhara Kahu bypass, Islamabad	Easy access from the city center; links to existing metro for seamless transfers.
Chattar Park	Midway through the Margalla Hills	A nod to nature lovers—picnic spots and trails nearby for quick detours.
Ghora Gali	Heart of the Galiyat region	Bustling with local bazaars; perfect for horse rides or a taste of fresh corn on the cob.
Near Murree Bus Stop	Gateway to Murree’s core attractions	Drops you steps from Kashmir Point and the Mall Road; no more uphill treks with luggage.

The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA) unveiled these details just days ago, confirming the electric-powered line will run year-round, rain or shine. Future whispers include a 13-km extension to Islamabad International Airport via Faizabad, potentially tying into the CDA’s metro network for airport-to-hills in one smooth hop. “We’re talking about making Murree as accessible as a quick cab ride from the capital,” notes PMA Director Muhammad Wajid.

Fares, Features, and Eco-Friendly Vibes

Affordability meets luxury here. Tickets come in two flavors: Standard at Rs. 500 for everyday explorers, and Premium at Rs. 1,000 for those craving extra perks like reclining seats and priority boarding. It’s a public-private partnership (PPP) model, so expect international tenders soon to bring in global tech for the build.

Sustainability is baked in—no diesel fumes, just quiet electric hums cutting emissions and dodging the 1,000-plus vehicles that clog the route daily during holidays. Experts like transportation analyst Ashfaq Khattak hail it as more than a tourist gimmick: “This could spark jobs in hospitality, cut road accidents, and even ease urban sprawl by promoting off-peak travel.” The project aligns with Punjab’s five-year green transport plan, which already rolls out electric buses in Lahore and eyes metro expansions.

Social media’s lit up like Diwali—users are sharing mock-up renders and countdowns. “Finally, a way to beat the Murree madness without the minivan nausea!” tweeted @BanoQ_, echoing the sentiment from hundreds of posts. One viral thread from @developingpak highlights how it could mirror Switzerland’s alpine rails, drawing eco-tourists from abroad.

Beyond the Tracks: Tourism and Economic Ripple Effects

Murree, Pakistan’s “queen of hills,” welcomes over a million visitors yearly, but its single highway often turns paradise into gridlock. This train could flip that script, funneling crowds efficiently while spotlighting hidden gems like Bhurban’s forests or Patriata’s chairlifts. Phase two eyes a stretch to Muzaffarabad, weaving in Azad Kashmir’s lakes and meadows for an epic loop.

Economically, it’s a boon: Local vendors at new stations, boosted hotel bookings, and artisan markets could thrive. “Tourism isn’t just photos—it’s livelihoods,” says MNA Raja Usama Ashfaq Sarwar from Murree, predicting completion by late 2027. Challenges? Budgets and weather, sure—but with CM Nawaz’s push, skeptics are turning optimistic.

As shovels hit the ground soon, one thing’s clear: The glass train isn’t just moving people; it’s moving Pakistan toward a brighter, greener horizon. Whether you’re chasing snowflakes or starry nights, this ride promises memories etched in glass.

Have you booked your tickets yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments—what’s your must-see spot in Murree?

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