ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Pakistan Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have planned a Rs40 billion infrastructure initiative to reshape transport links across the northwestern province through upgraded branch lines, a new railway corridor and modernized stations According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the plan includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of four branch lines with a combined length of approximately 173 kilometres. These include the Nowshera–Mardan–Dargai section (65 km), Jahangira …
Rs 40 billion project planned to upgrade rail links in KP
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Pakistan Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have planned a Rs40 billion infrastructure initiative to reshape transport links across the northwestern province through upgraded branch lines, a new railway corridor and modernized stations
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the plan includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of four branch lines with a combined length of approximately 173 kilometres. These include the Nowshera–Mardan–Dargai section (65 km), Jahangira Road–Peshawar (62 km), Mardan–Charsadda (28 km), and Peshawar Cantt–Jamrud (18 km).
In a significant expansion proposal, Pakistan Railways is also considering the construction of a new 192-kilometre railway line linking Kohat with Kharlachi via Thal. The project is expected to enhance connectivity in southern KP and could support trade and economic integration in border regions.
The adoption and modernization of major railway stations, including Peshawar Cantt, Peshawar City, Nowshera, and Jahangira, are also being explored. The upgradation of unmanned level crossings is also part of the proposed development agenda to improve railway safety.
Several meetings have already been held between Pakistan Railways and KP government representatives to finalize cooperation modalities. A framework agreement has been shared with the provincial government, while the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule University has been nominated by the KP government to conduct feasibility studies for the proposed railway sections.
This major modernization drive is expected to unlock new economic opportunities, reduce transportation costs, facilitate commuting, and support regional development if implemented on schedule.
