The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Pakistan Railways on Monday have agreed to enhance cooperation on rail development projects, including the construction of a new line from Kohaṭ to Kharlachi.
The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi. Officials briefed the meeting that the proposed 192-kilometre Kohaṭ-Kharlachi railway project will cost $642 million and is expected to be completed within two years.
The Chief Minister said the new train service will improve passenger travel and stimulate commercial activity, emphasizing that it is a timely and much-needed initiative. The meeting also discussed operating modern trains on other railway tracks across the province.
Authorities were directed to prepare detailed plans with timelines for ongoing and upcoming rail projects, including the expansion of train services to major cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sohail Afridi assured full provincial support for Pakistan Railways in the interest of public welfare.
The meeting also considered launching a safari train on the 32-kilometre Jamrud-Landi Kotal track, along with plans to restore and beautify historic railway stations, improve sanitation, and develop green belts along the tracks.
Finance Adviser Mazammil Aslam, Chief Secretary KP, Secretary Pakistan Railways, and officials from the Transport Department attended the meeting.
