PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the construction of a 192-kilometre railway track connecting Kohat-Kharlachi in Kurram district, a key border trade point with Afghanistan. The project aims to improve regional connectivity and revive trade activities amid repeated disruptions at Pak-Afghan border crossings.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting attended by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and senior officials of Pakistan Railways. The participants reviewed several rail connectivity proposals and discussed plans to introduce modern train services across the province.
وزیراعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا محمد سہیل آفریدی کی زیر صدارت ریلوے سے متعلق اجلاس
کوہاٹ تا خرلاچی 192 کلومیٹر نئی ریلوے ٹریک بچھانے کا فیصلہ
منصوبے پر 64کروڑڈالر لاگت آئے گی، تکمیل دو سال میں ہوگی
جمرود تا لنڈی کوتل 32 کلومیٹر ٹریک پر سفاری ٹرین چلانے پر بھی غور pic.twitter.com/Tr3VWsxLzD— Muhammad Faheem (@MeFaheem) December 22, 2025
According to officials, the Kohat–Kharlachi railway track will be completed within two years at an estimated cost of $642 million. They said the feasibility study for the project had already been completed, while the process of land acquisition was currently under way.
The chief minister termed the project a pressing requirement for the province. He said the rail link would not only improve transportation facilities in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also play a vital role in promoting cross-border trade and boosting local economic activity.
During the meeting, participants also discussed future railway expansion projects and agreed on strengthening coordination between the provincial government and Pakistan Railways. Authorities were directed to ensure better planning and timely execution of all approved initiatives.
A separate proposal to launch a safari train service on the 32-kilometre Jamrud–Landi Kotal railway track was also reviewed. The initiative aims to promote tourism by offering scenic rail journeys through the historic Khyber region.
The chief minister instructed officials to prepare comprehensive plans with clear timelines for all railway projects. He also emphasised extending train services to other major cities of the province to improve public transport and facilitate citizens.
Read More: Railways spends Rs1, 862m for rehab of track between Kotri-Khanpur
The meeting further discussed the rehabilitation of historic railway stations, improvement of cleanliness, renovation and beautification of facilities, and the development of green belts along railway tracks. Senior government officials, including advisers and secretaries, attended the session.