DLP Report
ISLAMABAD
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday chaired an important meeting on railway development 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.
The meeting was held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, a handout said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Ikramullah, Secretary Pakistan Railways, and senior officials of the Transport Department attended the meeting.
The meeting agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination between the KP government and Pakistan Railways. Officials informed the meeting that a new 192-kilometre railway track would be laid from Kohat to Kharlachi at an estimated cost of 642 million dollars, with the project planned for completion within two years. It was also shared that the feasibility study has been completed, while the land acquisition process is currently underway.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the Kohat–Kharlachi train service was a pressing requirement, which would not only improve travel facilities for the people but also promote trade and economic activity in the region.
The meeting also held detailed discussions on the proposal to run a safari train 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.
Emphasizing the need for close coordination between the provincial government and Pakistan Railways, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the KP government’s full support for initiatives aimed at improving public transport and citizen facilitation.
The meeting further 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.
