PESHAWAR: Practical steps have officially begun to restore train services across five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, raising hopes for a new era of improved transportation in the province.

According to official sources on Thursday, following approval from the federal government, Pakistan Railways has initiated progress on the project and has formally informed the provincial government.

In the first phase, work will commence on a 62-kilometre railway section connecting Peshawar, Nowshera and Jahangira, which is considered a key component of the project.

In the second phase, a 65-kilometre stretch linking Nowshera, Mardan, and Dargai will be developed.

Additionally, the project includes the restoration of a 27-kilometre railway line between Mardan and Charsadda, as well as an 18-kilometre section from Peshawar to Jamrud.

A 60-kilometre Kohat-Jand section will also be upgraded in a later phase.

Sources further said that the process of nominating technical teams for representation in the Pakistan

Railways working group was currently underway.

The restoration of train services is expected to provide passengers with affordable, safe and fast travel options. It is also likely to boost commercial activities in the province and significantly increase the revenue of Pakistan Railways.

Officials added that legal requirements were being fulfilled prior to the restoration, while operations against encroachments in the relevant areas had already begun to ensure that there were no obstacles in the rehabilitation of railway tracks.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026