Pakistan Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have proposed a Rs40 billion plan to upgrade rail infrastructure across the province, including branch-line rehabilitation, new connectivity projects and station modernization.

The KP rail links upgrade aims to improve transport access in northwestern Pakistan by restoring key railway sections, strengthening links between major cities and supporting trade routes in southern and border areas.

According to Wealth Pakistan, the plan includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of four branch lines with a combined length of about 173 kilometres. These include the 65-kilometre Nowshera–Mardan–Dargai section, the 62-kilometre Jahangira Road–Peshawar section, the 28-kilometre Mardan–Charsadda section and the 18-kilometre Peshawar Cantt–Jamrud section.

Pakistan Railways is also considering a new 192-kilometre railway line from Kohat to Kharlachi via Thal. The proposed corridor is expected to improve connectivity in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and support economic activity in areas close to the border.

The plan also includes the possible adoption and modernization of major railway stations, including Peshawar Cantt, Peshawar City, Nowshera and Jahangira. Upgrading unmanned level crossings is also part of the proposed agenda to improve safety on railway routes.

Officials from Pakistan Railways and the KP government have held several meetings to finalize cooperation arrangements. A framework agreement has been shared with the provincial government.

The KP government has nominated Pak-Austria Fachhochschule University to conduct feasibility studies for the proposed railway sections.

If implemented, the modernization plan is expected to reduce transport costs, improve commuting options, support regional development and create new economic opportunities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Also Read : First Dragon Boat Festival Held on Kabul River in Charsadda