ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (ABC): Pakistan Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government are planning a Rs40 billion rail infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving railway connectivity across the province. The proposal includes the rehabilitation of existing branch lines, the construction of a new railway corridor, and the modernization of key railway stations. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional transport networks, improve mobility, and support economic activity in northwestern Pakistan.

Contents

What is included in the proposed rail upgrade?What is the new railway corridor being considered?Why does the project matter?Which railway stations could be modernized?Who is involved in the project?What happens next?

What is included in the proposed rail upgrade?

According to official planning documents, the project involves the rehabilitation and upgrading of four railway branch lines with a combined length of about 173 kilometres. The proposed sections include:

Nowshera–Mardan–Dargai (65 km)
Jahangira Road–Peshawar (62 km)
Mardan–Charsadda (28 km)
Peshawar Cantt–Jamrud (18 km)

The upgrades are intended to improve the condition and operational capacity of existing rail infrastructure in the province.

What is the new railway corridor being considered?

Pakistan Railways is also evaluating a proposal to build a new 192-kilometre railway line connecting Kohat, Thal, and Kharlachi. If approved, the corridor would expand railway access in southern KP and could improve transportation links in areas near the border. The project is expected to support the movement of passengers and goods while enhancing regional connectivity.

Why does the project matter?

Railways play an important role in passenger travel and freight transportation. Upgraded rail infrastructure can help reduce travel times, improve operational efficiency, and lower transportation costs. Improved connectivity may also support economic activity by facilitating the movement of people, agricultural products, and commercial goods between urban and rural areas. The proposed upgrades are part of wider efforts to modernize Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure and strengthen regional integration.

Which railway stations could be modernized?

The proposal includes plans to adopt and modernize several major railway stations in KP, including:

Peshawar Cantt
Peshawar City
Nowshera
Jahangira

Authorities are also considering upgrades to unmanned level crossings to improve railway safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Who is involved in the project?

Pakistan Railways and the KP government have held multiple meetings to discuss implementation and cooperation mechanisms. A framework agreement has been shared with the provincial government. In addition, the KP government has nominated Pak-Austria Fachhochschule University to conduct feasibility studies for the proposed railway sections and future expansion plans.

What happens next?

The project remains in the planning and feasibility assessment stage. Feasibility studies will help determine the technical, financial, and operational viability of the proposed railway upgrades and new corridor. Future progress will depend on approvals, funding arrangements, and implementation timelines agreed upon by the relevant authorities. If carried forward as planned, the initiative would represent one of the larger railway infrastructure development efforts proposed for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years.