The Khushhal Khan Khattak Express, named after the legendary Pashtun poet and warrior, was a vital service connecting Karachi and Peshawar via Dera Ismail Khan and Mianwali.
This move marks a significant milestone in the post-pandemic recovery of rail services across the country, catering to passengers traveling between southern and northern Pakistan along the Main Line-II corridor.
Prior to its suspension in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a profitable and heavily relied-upon service. The route provided essential connectivity to remote regions and was a lifeline for thousands of passengers daily.
Strategic Importance of the Main Line-II Corridor
The Main Line-II is a lesser-known yet crucial railway track that supplements the heavily trafficked Main Line-I (ML-I). While ML-I connects major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, ML-II passes through more rural and underserved areas, providing an essential transportation alternative.
The resumption of Khushhal Khan Khattak Express is expected to boost economic activity along this corridor, stimulate inter-provincial trade, and support local businesses that rely on railway logistics. The decision reflects the government’s growing focus on developing infrastructure beyond major urban centers.
That service, which stops at Hyderabad, Rohri, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Khanewal, and Faisalabad, has already shown strong ridership numbers, highlighting the public’s readiness to embrace railway travel once again.
Pakistan Railways is also implementing modern safety protocols, including digital ticketing, surveillance cameras, and real-time tracking systems. This reflects the broader modernization drive underway, aiming to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency in train operations.
Economic and Social Impact
The return of Khushhal Khan Khattak Express is not just about transportation—it is a strategic socioeconomic move.
- Generate employment through direct and indirect railway jobs
- Stimulate tourism in culturally rich regions like Mianwali, Kohat, and Dera Ismail Khan
- Facilitate trade by offering cargo space on a cost-effective platform
- Enable family and social reunions in distant regions with previously limited access
In addition to reviving suspended services, Pakistan Railways is pushing ahead with an ambitious modernization plan. A high-speed express train between Lahore and Karachi is currently under development.
The public has responded enthusiastically to the news of the Khushhal Khan Khattak Express returning.
Looking ahead, Pakistan Railways plans to reopen more routes, improve freight services, and partner with private investors to ensure sustainability.
Public-private partnerships, international cooperation, and infrastructure development will be crucial for realizing a modern, reliable, and accessible railway system.
