District Murree

Murree: ReNews Pakistan A decision has been made to launch a new mono glass train service from Islamabad’s Lake View Park to Murree, with Chattar Park and Ghora Gali designated as key stations. A proposal to connect the project with Islamabad Airport is also under consideration for the future. The 64-kilometre journey, which currently takes one and a half to two hours, will be reduced to just 40 minutes. According to sources, the Government of Punjab has shortlisted three companies participating in the tender and has requested financial bids from them. The final tender is expected to be awarded to a suitable company by June. The project is being viewed as a major step toward strengthening the connection between people and the mountainous region. The train will operate from Lake View Park to Murree Bus Stand, with stops at Chattar Park and Ghora Gali. It has also been learned that plans are under consideration to link the Islamabad-Murree mono glass train with Islamabad Airport in the future.

Murree | ReNews Pakistan A multi-billion-rupee development package, described as the largest in Murree’s history, has been approved during a special meeting chaired by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at Government House Murree. The meeting reviewed the comprehensive Murree Development Plan, focusing on upgrading tourism infrastructure, improving civic facilities, and strengthening the region’s long-term economic and structural capacity. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed participants on ongoing and proposed initiatives, highlighting plans to transform Kotli Sattian into Punjab’s newest modern tourism hub. The chief minister approved 14 tourism development schemes for the area, including the construction of a chairlift system, an eco-friendly glamping pod village and resort, Punjab’s first modern paragliding centre, and a sky glass bridge designed to enhance visitor attraction and tourism-related investment activity. As part of regional connectivity improvements, the meeting approved the extension of the Murree Glass Train project from Islamabad Airport to Muzaffarabad. The project includes a 40-kilometre route from Lake View Park to Murree Bus Stand, with bidding for the monorail component scheduled to open in March. These transport initiatives are expected to strengthen access to tourism zones and facilitate greater visitor inflows. The participants also agreed to establish a dedicated department for the preservation and restoration of Murree’s historic and cultural structures. Restoration work will ensure that heritage buildings are maintained according to their original design, supporting the conservation of architectural identity while enhancing tourism value. Additionally, a hotel complex will be developed through a public-private partnership at a designated location, expanding hospitality infrastructure and supporting tourism-driven economic activity. Authorities reported that unauthorized multi-storey structures affecting the natural landscape along key areas including Mall Road, Hall Road, and Imtiaz Shaheed Road have been removed. These areas are being converted into public parks and green spaces, while road expansion work has been completed in Upper Jhika Gali to improve traffic flow and accessibility. Restoration of 23 buildings and 76 commercial units on Mall Road has also been completed, contributing to improved urban functionality and commercial continuity. Infrastructure upgrades remain a central component of the development plan, with construction and rehabilitation of 70 roads completed across Murree and adjoining areas, while 120 additional roads are currently under development in the second phase. A principled decision has also been taken to upgrade Rawalpindi, Murree, and Kashmir Road into modern highways, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting long-term growth. Water management improvements were also highlighted, with the first phase of a rainwater harvesting system completed, benefiting local residents through improved water supply. The second phase is expected to extend benefits to approximately 3,000 additional households. Civic service improvements include the establishment of a 50-bed hospital in Bhurban and continued modernization of the Patriata chairlift.