PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government has agreed to collaborate with the Pakistan Railways for the betterment of the area’s railway network, and modern trains are already being discussed on the various tracks in the province.
The chief minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi headed the meeting, which was attended by the officials of Pakistan Railways as well. During the meeting, the railway authority revealed its plans for future projects, one of which is the new 192-kilometer railway track from Kohat to Kharlachi. The estimated cost of the project is 642 million dollars and the completion period is two years.
The train service between Kohat and Kharlachi was highlighted by Chief Minister Afridi as a travel facility that would besides giving a separate allure to the area through commerce. He expressed, “This train service is a crucial demand at this juncture, and it will be a key factor in the expansion of the economy in that province.”
Moreover, the meeting additionally discussed the matter of the new trains being deployed to various railways across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Chief Minister instructed the officials to draw up comprehensive plans with timelines for these projects and to take the necessary steps to bring train services to other major cities of the province.
Afridi gave his word that the provincial government would back Pakistan Railways 100% in carrying out these projects for the uplift of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The meeting covered further discussions that revolved around the suggestion of a safari train service along the 32-kilometer track from Jamrud to Landi Kotal and the restoration and enhancement of the province’s old railway stations. The renovation plans consist of cleaning, restoring, and decorating these stations, as well as building green belts alongside the railway tracks.
The meeting was attended by Advisor for Finance Mazammil Aslam, Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Secretary of Pakistan Railways, and officials from the Transport Department.
