The Capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, is set to receive a modern train service named the ‘Peshawar Valley Railway’ in the near future.
The project is being planned in collaboration with the Federal government, which aims to introduce a modern rail transport system across the Peshawar Valley.
The initiative is expected to improve regional connectivity and provide residents with a faster, more reliable public transport option.
In Peshawar, the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has sent a letter to the Secretary and Chairman of Pakistan Railways regarding a proposed rail project in the region. It has been agreed that the initiative will be named the Peshawar Valley Railway.
According to media reports, the KP government is planning to operate railcars and diesel multiple units (DMUs) on the existing railway infrastructure to improve public transportation in the area.
Authorities have also begun the groundwork for a pre-feasibility study of the project, which will assess the viability and operational framework of the proposed railway service.
Peshawar Valley Railway proposed route
In the first phase, work will be carried out on the 62-kilometre Peshawar, Nowshera, Jahangira railway section. In the second phase, development will focus on the 65-kilometre Nowshera, Mardan and Dargai railway section.
In addition, work will be undertaken on the 27-kilometre Mardan, Charsadda section and the 18-kilometre Peshawar, Jamrud section. At a later stage, the 60-kilometre Ko and Jand railway section will also be included in the project.
Speaking to the media, Muhammad Zubair, Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transport Department, said that the proposed project would be a game-changer. He noted that, for the first time, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal government will work together on such a railway initiative. He added that the project will help the KP government reduce the high costs associated with infrastructure construction.
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