KP Approves $642M Kohat-Kharlachi Railway: Boost for Trade and Tourism

Railways have long been the backbone of travel and trade in Pakistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they're about to get a major upgrade. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur recently chaired a key meeting at KP House in Islamabad. The focus? Reviewing and pushing forward several railway projects that could change how people move and do business in the province.

The meeting brought together officials from the KP government and Pakistan Railways. They agreed to tighten coordination. This step sets the stage for smoother operations and new developments. It's a practical move in a region where rugged terrain makes transport tricky.

The Star Project: Kohat to Kharlachi Line

One highlight is the proposed train service from Kohat to Kharlachi. This isn't just any route. It's a brand-new 192-kilometer track. The estimated cost sits at $642 million. Officials say it could wrap up in two years, with land acquisition already in progress.

Why build it? The Chief Minister pointed out clear benefits. Better travel options for locals. A boost to trade and economic activities, especially near the border areas. Kharlachi sits close to Afghanistan, so this could open up cross-border opportunities. Imagine faster goods movement and more jobs in construction and operations.

Details from the meeting show the project is moving forward. It's not pie-in-the-sky; land work is underway. This track could connect remote areas better, cutting down on road dependency. Roads in KP often face weather issues or security concerns. Rail offers a reliable alternative.

Modern Trains on Old Tracks

The talks didn't stop at new builds. They covered running modern trains on existing lines, too. KP has some underused railways that could get a facelift. Upgrading them means safer, faster rides without starting from scratch.

This fits into a broader push for efficiency. Pakistan Railways has been modernizing elsewhere. Bringing that to KP could link the province better with the rest of the country. Think express services or freight trains hauling goods from mines or farms.

Safari Train: Tourism on Rails

Another exciting idea? Launching a safari train from Jamrud to Landi Kotal. This 32-kilometer stretch runs through the famous Khyber Pass. It's historic, built during British times, and offers stunning views of mountains and valleys.

The safari concept aims to draw tourists. Picture a leisurely ride with stops for photos and stories about the area's past. The Khyber train safari ran before but stopped due to security issues. Reviving it could spark tourism, creating jobs in hospitality and guides.

Discussions highlighted the potential. The track winds through tunnels and over bridges. It's an adventure. With peace improving in the region, now's a good time to bring it back. Tourists from home and abroad could flock to it, boosting local economies.

Reviving History and Going Green

The meeting went beyond new routes. They talked about rehabilitating old railway stations. Many date back decades and hold cultural value. Fixing them up preserves heritage while making them functional again.

Cleanliness got attention, too. Stations and tracks need better upkeep. Plans include beautification efforts. And green belts along the lines? That's a smart touch. Planting trees could fight erosion, provide shade, and improve the environment. In a province hit by climate change, this matters.

These steps show a holistic approach. It's not just about transport. It's about making railways part of sustainable development. Green belts could turn tracks into eco-corridors, helping wildlife and air quality.

Why This Matters for KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has huge potential. Rich in resources, from minerals to fruits. But poor infrastructure holds it back. These projects could unlock that.

Take trade. The Kohat-Kharlachi line nears the Durand Line. It could ease exports to Afghanistan and beyond. Central Asia connections via rail? Possible. This aligns with national goals like CPEC, where rail plays a big role.

For locals, better travel means access to markets, schools, and hospitals. Reduced costs too, as rail is cheaper than road for long hauls.

Tourism is another win. The safari train taps into adventure seekers. KP's beauty from Swat to Chitral—could link up via rail extensions later.

Economically, jobs will flow. Construction employs thousands. Operations need staff. Spin-offs in shops and services add more.

But challenges exist. Funding the $642 million isn't easy. Coordination with federal bodies like Pakistan Railways is key. Security in border areas must stay tight. And, two years for such a project? Ambitious, but doable with focus.

The Chief Minister stressed preparing detailed plans with timelines. That's good. It shows commitment to delivery, not just talk.

Looking Back: KP's Railway History

To appreciate this, recall the past. The Khyber Pass railway opened in 1925. It was an engineering marvel, with 34 tunnels and 92 bridges. Used for military and trade, it symbolized connectivity in tough terrain.

Services halted in 2006 due to floods and unrest. Revival efforts started in 2016, with special trains running occasionally. The safari idea builds on that legacy.

Other lines, like from Peshawar to Kohat, have potential too. Modernizing them fits the current push.

The Road or Track Ahead

This meeting marks a turning point. With agreements in place, expect updates soon. Land acquisition for Kohat-Kharlachi is ongoing. Safari plans could roll out quicker since the track exists.

For residents, it's hopeful news. Better rails mean progress. For the economy, it's a catalyst.

Watch for more details. If these projects succeed, KP could lead in rail innovation. Drive trade, draw visitors, and green the landscape.

In a nutshell, railways are roaring back in KP. And that's something to cheer about. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com