The Ministry of Railways and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have signed a framework agreement to enhance cooperation in the railway sector and jointly develop and expand rail connectivity across the province.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. Both sides described the agreement as a milestone for the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan and expressed their commitment to accelerating practical measures under the framework.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said implementation of the agreement would help materialize the province's vision of expanding and modernizing its railway network.

He said the Greater Peshawar Circular Railway project would connect Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda through a modern railway track. The next phases of the Peshawar Valley Railway would include connectivity between Nowshera, Mardan and Dargai, while railway links between Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar and Torkham would also be considered in subsequent phases.

Afridi said modern railway links would provide better transportation facilities to millions of passengers, students, workers and traders. Improved connectivity would also boost trade, tourism, employment and regional connectivity in the province.

He appreciated the cooperation of Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi and his team, saying the agreement would serve public welfare and contribute to the province's development. He hoped the railway projects would be taken forward on a fast-track basis.

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“We have to strengthen our national institutions. The train network is a relatively inexpensive and comfortable means of transportation,” the chief minister said, adding that both the federal and provincial governments had a responsibility to invest in the sector.

Afridi also said that some matters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fell under the federal government's jurisdiction and expressed regret that such areas had not received the required attention in the past. He said the current fiscal year would bring peace, development and prosperity to the province.

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi appreciated the provincial government's cooperation and said coordination between the federal and provincial governments was essential for improving public facilities and promoting development.

He described the agreement as a “unique concept” that would produce long-term results, adding that similar agreements had also been signed with other provinces.

“Railways is a network that connects all provinces, and public welfare is beyond boundaries,” Abbasi said. He assured that the federal government would provide full cooperation for implementation of the agreement and that work would be accelerated.

Under the framework, Pakistan Railways will provide technical assistance and facilitate the use of existing railway infrastructure for projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Various railway schemes will be implemented in phases.

According to a briefing, the provincial government will restore and renovate historic railway stations and has allocated Rs500 million for the purpose under the current Annual Development Programme (ADP).

Existing railway facilities of the federal government will also be utilized for suburban railway services in the province.

The Nowshera-Jahangira railway route has been identified as a priority project. A consultancy contract for its feasibility study is expected to be awarded by August 30.

The Nowshera-Mardan-Dargai railway link will also be developed in phases, while the restoration of the province's historic railway heritage will form part of the framework agreement.

The briefing further stated that if the federal government launches a new railway project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government would provide administrative support to facilitate its implementation.