KOHAT: The resumption of Kohat-Rawalpindi railcar service is being delayed since June 2017 due to unknown reasons.

The train service suspended in 2013 has been delayed for the eighth time recently despite renovation and repair of the track and railway station with an approximate cost of Rs400 million. The dates were being changed since June 2017 which was set for the purpose by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The station master, Moin Gul, said that the last date set for the resumption of rail service was January 17, 2018 which had now been changed to January 27.

Meanwhile, operation manager of Kohat Friendship Tunnel, Mr Jamshed, told this scribe on Sunday that the same Japanense company, which built the Kohat Friendship Tunnel, had agreed to construct the second tunnel.

He said that the company had brought in some machinery from Afghanistan and marked the point of excavation, but was reportedly stopped by their authorities to disengage keeping in view uncertain situation in Afghanistan.

He said that if the second tunnel was constructed at the time when the first one was completed in 2003 the government could have saved billions of rupees. Answering a question, he said that the government might be engaged with the Japanese government over the issue at certain level.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2018