Pakistan Railways to Upgrade 240km of Railway Lines in KP

Pakistan Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have signed an agreement to jointly upgrade and modernize the province's railway network, with a focus on expanding around 240 kilometers of suburban railway lines. The planned routes include connections between Peshawar and Nowshera, Nowshera to Mardan and Charsadda, Nasirpur (Chamkani) to Jamrud, and Jamrud to Landi Kotal Safari Railway.

Additionally, a proposed 192-kilometer strategic rail link from Kohat through Thall to Kharlachi is expected to enhance connectivity and spur trade and passenger movement.

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi emphasized that the partnership will improve railway connectivity, modernize passenger facilities, and make daily travel more convenient for people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He indicated that the federal and provincial governments will explore other routes and funding options through mutual consultation.

The agreement encompasses plans to upgrade key railway stations such as Peshawar Cantonment, Peshawar City, Nowshera, and Jahangira, with enhancements to passenger facilities, cleanliness, and security.

Abbasi stressed the importance of railway safety and urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to collaborate with Pakistan Railways to secure the province's 81 unsafe railway crossings. He highlighted that the agreement represents a significant step toward greater cooperation between federal and provincial governments in modernizing Pakistan Railways.