Pakistan Railways Restores Karachi-Peshawar Train After 5 Years
Pakistan Railways has announced that the long distance economy class train service known as the Khushhal Khan Khattak Express has been restored through some of the country’s most underserved and remote areas, connecting Karachi to Peshawar.
The resumption of the train’s operations, suspended in March 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, is scheduled for April 25, which comes five years after it was taken offline.
A Vital Link Reestablished
Known as the train after the well known Pashtun poet and freedom fighter Khushhal Khan Khattak, the train runs a 1512 km distance between Karachi and Peshawar as in 34 hours and 15 minutes. It serves on Kotri–Attock Main Line, also called as Main Line-2 (ML-2) over the heart of Sindh, southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This service is unique for its reason of being the only express train directly connecting several important cities and towns:
Larkana
Dadu
Kot Addu
Layyah
Mianwali
Bhakkar
Dera Ghazi Khan
Major Stops and Regional Impact
The train’s major stations include:
Karachi
Kotri
Sehwan Sharif
Larkana
Shikarpur
Jacobabad
Kashmore
Rajanpur
Peshawar Cantt
This route acts as a lifeline to many remote communities that otherwise often see little modern infrastructure and affordably available transportation.
Railway officials verified the entire track and onboard facilities have been revamped for better comfort and have positioned a major focus to make travel economical for the public.
🔧 Upgrades & Affordability
Part of a wider Pakistan Railways project towards reviving national train services between rural, relatively poorer areas and urban centres, it was relaunched. Passenger expect good seating arrangement, proper hygiene standards and low priced ticket options.
Referring to Khushhal Khan Khattak Express as a train is not correct, it is more than a train; it is a bridge of culture and understanding, a means to move, trade and connect, the official added.
Looking Ahead
Reimaging the Pakistan Tourism Development Company’s Pakistan Steamer Agency and the revival of this iconic train is not only an indicator of the resilience of Pakistan’s transport infrastructure post pandemic but also symbolizes government’s commitment towards inclusive development.
When the Khushhal Khan Khattak Express rolls out once again, it takes with it the possibility, the accessibility and the future for thousands of passengers across Pakistan.
