ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have signed a landmark framework agreement aimed at rehabilitating, upgrading and modernising railway infrastructure across the province while improving passenger facilities and regional connectivity.
Under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, the agreement provides for upgrading around 240 kilometres of suburban railway lines, including the Peshawar–Nowshera–Jahangira Road, Nowshera–Mardan–Dargai, Nowshera–Mardan–Charsadda, Nasarpur (Chamkani)–Jamrud and Jamrud–Landi Kotal routes.
The framework also includes development of a new 192-kilometre strategic railway line from Kohat to Kharlachi via Thal.
The proposed route is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia and support the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor, opening new opportunities for regional trade.
Railway stations at Peshawar Cantonment, Peshawar City, Nowshera and Jahangira will also be modernised, with improved passenger services and facilities. Pakistan Railways and the provincial government will jointly work to secure 81 currently unprotected railway crossings.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated the cooperation of the KP government and Chief Minister, saying the framework would be translated into practical projects to deliver direct benefits to the public and strengthen Pakistan’s regional railway connectivity.
