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PESHAWAR, Dec 22 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Pakistan Railways (PR) on Monday reached several key agreements to upgrade railway infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote economic and tourism activities in the province.
The decisions were finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi at the Chief Minister’s House, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation and coordination in the public interest.
Key decisions include the launch of a Safari Train service on the 32-kilometre Jamrud-Landi Kotal track to boost tourism, restoration and renovation of historic railway stations, maintenance of cleanliness, and development of green belts along railway tracks.
The meeting approved the construction of a new 192-kilometre railway line from Kohat to Kharlachi at an estimated cost of $642 million, with completion targeted within two years.
The project is expected to facilitate travel and enhance trade and commercial activities in the region.
It was also decided to operate modern trains on existing tracks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and extend rail services to other major cities in the province.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to prepare time-bound implementation plans for all railway projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi described the Kohat-Kharlachi rail link as a pressing need and assured full provincial government support to Pakistan Railways for public welfare.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Secretary Pakistan Railways, and senior officials from the Transport Department.