LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday announced plans to launch its own airline, with operations set to begin using four leased aircraft for domestic routes before expanding to international routes later.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said at a press conference that the `Punjab Air` project has been finalised.

`Four aircraft have been taken on lease to start domestic flights. Within a year, the airline will receive a licence for international flights,` she said.

The move follows earlier interest shown by the Maryam Nawaz administration in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Ms Bokhari also revealed that Pakistan`s first bullet train would be soon launched between Lahore and Rawalpindi. `It will complete the journey in two hours and twenty minutes. More bullet train routes will be developed across Punjab,` she said.

The minister also unveiled plans for a `Glass Train` service from Rawalpindi to Murree, designed to promote tourism and offer passengers scenic views en route to the popular hill station.

The chief minister also noted that a public-private partnership model was under consideration for the bullet train venture, adds APP.

Additionally, she directed the relevant departments to expedite preparations for launching the bullet train and sought proposals for high-speed train services on six additional routes across Punjab.

These routes include: Lahore-Shahdara-Narowal; Lahore-Raiwind-KasurPakpatt an-L odhran; Sheikhupura-JaranwalaShorkot; Shorkot-JhangSargodha; Lala MusaSargodha via Mandi Bahauddin and Malikwal; and Faisalabad-Chak Jhumra-Shaheenabad.

The CM also reviewed progress on mass transit initiatives, including the Lahore Yellow Line and the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line.