PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to collaborate with the Pakistan Railways to launch the “Peshawar Valley Railway” project aimed at expanding rail connectivity across the provincial capital and adjoining districts.

In an official letter to the chairman of Pakistan Railways, the KP chief secretary stated that preliminary feasibility work on the Peshawar Valley Railway project has already begun.

Under Phase 1, the project will cover the 62-kilometre Peshawar–Nowshera–Jahangira section.

Phase 2 will include several additional routes, including the 65km Nowshera–Mardan–Dargai line, the 27km Mardan–Charsadda section, the 18km Peshawar–Jamrud route, and the 60km Kohat–Jand line.

According to the letter, the provincial government is also exploring the operation of diesel multiple units and railcars on the existing railway infrastructure to enhance service efficiency.

KP Secretary for Transport Mohammad Zubair termed the project a “game-changer” for the province.

Speaking to a private news channel, he said the provincial and federal governments would be collaborating on a railway project for the first time.

He added that the initiative is expected to boost railway business and revenue while also reducing the provincial government’s infrastructure construction costs.

Meanwhile, the KP chief secretary said the agreement was discussed during a meeting between the KP chief minister and Pakistan Railways officials on December 22, 2025.

“After detailed deliberations, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed that joint technical and planning teams of Pakistan Railways and the provincial government should work together to develop a mutually agreed way forward,” the letter stated.

The proposed framework will include prioritisation of projects such as new railway lines, rehabilitation of existing corridors and expansion of train services.

Officials added that joint exercises will also include a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis covering passenger demand, freight potential, economic returns and long-term sustainability of the project.