Pakistan Railways is set to restore train services between Lahore and Faisalabad on November 15, 2026, following the completion of major repair work on a railway bridge damaged by flooding near Sheikhupura.
The railway connection has remained suspended since severe floods in August damaged infrastructure along the route, disrupting train operations between Lahore, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad.
Officials said restoration work on the Massan Kalar Bridge was nearing completion, with civil construction finished and final inspections of the railway track under way.
Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Hafeezullah said the construction of a new embankment and track-laying work had almost been completed.
The federal railways minister is expected to inaugurate the restored section on 15 November, paving the way for the resumption of regular train services.
Pakistan Railways plans to run a trial train in the coming days to assess the condition and safety of the restored railway track.
The inspection will help engineers identify any remaining issues before passenger and freight operations resume.
According to railway officials, work on the damaged bridge began in the third week of September after floodwaters receded and engineers were able to access the affected area.
Lahore Railways Divisional Superintendent Inamullah Khan said around Rs455 million had been spent on the restoration project.
The work included civil, mechanical and electrical repairs, alongside the construction of a stronger railway embankment.
Engineers also created additional water passages beneath nearby bridges to improve drainage and reduce the risk of similar damage during future floods.
The Lahore-Faisalabad railway section is an important passenger and freight corridor for Pakistan Railways.
Several major trains use the route, including the Shalimar Express, Badar Express, Ghauri Express and Karakoram Express.
The suspension also affected other services operating through Faisalabad, including Lahore-Karachi and Khanewal-Lahore trains.
Railway authorities cancelled or suspended affected services following damage to two bridges, including a major structure near Qila Sattar Shah.
The disruption followed widespread flooding in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, as well as breaches in Nullah Deg and Bherr.
Floodwaters eroded soil beneath railway bridges and damaged sections of the track, forcing Pakistan Railways to suspend operations along the Lahore-Shahdara-Sheikhupura-Faisalabad route.
Railway officials have since carried out repair and rehabilitation work to restore the connection.
The planned reopening on 15 November is expected to reconnect Lahore and Faisalabad by rail and provide passengers with another transport option between the two cities.
