KP, MoR sign framework agreement on cooperation

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal Ministry of Railways have signed a cooperation pact covering the railway sector, according to Business Recorder. The signing took place in Islamabad at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, witnessed by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi and Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. Both sides pledged to put the accord into effect and speed up railway schemes in the province.

Under the arrangement, the federal ministry will help the province use its current railway infrastructure and provide technical assistance, while projects will advance in stages. The provincial government will restore historic railway stations, with Rs500 million earmarked through the Annual Development Programme this fiscal year. Existing federal rail facilities will also support a suburban service in the province.

The Nowshera-Jahangira route gets priority, and its feasibility study consultancy is slated for award by August 30. The Nowshera, Mardan and Dargai rail link is set to be built stage by stage. The Chief Minister said better rail links would offer passengers, students, workers and traders cheaper, more comfortable and efficient travel, while work on the Outer Ring Road in Peshawar is also in progress.