PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired an important meeting on railway development at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Islamabad, to review proposed rail connectivity projects in the province, including the Kohat–Kharlachi train service and the operation of modern trains on existing railway tracks.
During the meeting, it was agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Pakistan Railways. The meeting was briefed that a new 192-kilometre railway track would be laid from Kohat to Kharlachi.
The project is estimated to cost USD 642 million and is planned to be completed within two years. It was further informed that the feasibility study of the project has been completed, while the process of land acquisition is currently underway.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the Kohat–Kharlachi train service was a pressing requirement and would not only improve travel facilities for the people but also help promote trade and economic activity in the region.
The meeting also held detailed discussions on running a Safari train service on the 32-kilometre Jamrud–Landi Kotal railway track to promote tourism.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to prepare comprehensive plans with clear timelines for all railway projects and to take concrete steps for extending train services to other major cities of the province. He emphasized the need for close coordination between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Pakistan Railways and reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for initiatives aimed at improving public transport and citizen facilitation.
The meeting also discussed the rehabilitation of historic railway stations in the province, improvement of cleanliness, renovation and beautification of stations, and the development of green belts along railway tracks.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Ikramullah, Secretary Pakistan Railways, and senior officials of the Transport Department attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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