The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to expand rail connectivity across the province by laying new railway tracks and introducing modern train services, officials said on Monday.
The decision was taken during a meeting held in the federal capital, attended by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and senior officials of Pakistan Railways, according to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The meeting reviewed proposed rail connectivity projects and plans to modernise train services in the province.
Officials informed the meeting that a 192-kilometre railway track would be laid from Kohat district to the Kharlachi area of Kurram district, a key border trade point. The project is expected to be completed within two years at an estimated cost of USD 642 million. They added that the feasibility study for the Kohat–Kharlachi railway project has been completed, while the process of land acquisition is currently underway.
The chief minister described the proposed rail service as a pressing requirement, saying the project would not only improve rail connectivity within the province but also help promote trade and economic activity in the region.
Participants also discussed proposals to lay additional railway tracks and agreed on the need for better coordination between the provincial government and Pakistan Railways to ensure timely implementation of rail projects.
The meeting further considered the launch of a safari train service on the 32-kilometre Jamrud–Landi Kotal railway track to promote tourism in the region. The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to prepare comprehensive plans with clear timelines for all railway initiatives and to take concrete steps to extend train services to other major cities of the province.
Discussions were also held on the rehabilitation of historic railway stations, improvement of cleanliness, renovation and beautification of stations, and the development of green belts along railway tracks. The chief minister reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to providing full support for initiatives aimed at improving public transport and enhancing citizen facilitation.
Adviser to the chief minister on finance Muzzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development) Ikramullah, the secretary of Pakistan Railways and senior officials of the transport department were also present at the meeting.
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