Small & Medium Entrepreneurs Development Authority (Smeda) has drafted a proposal to hand over Khyber Safari Plan to military as it has the required manpower and financial resources to undertake it.
The proposal aimed to provide entertainment by capitalising the rich history of the Khyber Pass.
The foreign and domestic tourists were used to visit the area through antique century old steam train, but this service has also been inactive for the last two years.
The cost one way trip by train was too high and the implementation of the Khyber Safari Plan of Action is required high initial investment for the restoration the this service and a request to both federal and provincial governments for provision of needed money can be made besides investment from private sector. Both governments will also be requested for endowment funds, so that the interest payments can be used to reduce the running expenses.
The plan suggests for renovation of the train stations at Jamrud, Shagai and Landi Kotal since the people who operate and maintain the train are retiring, therefore, young people are to be trained to run it.
It has also suggested for simplifying the process in granting permission to foreign visitor, who are required to obtain permits from both Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tribal Affairs Department of North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Taking into consideration the high cost of train, the plan has proposed for the bus service early in tour and train later. The visit to Khyber Agency would comprise of Jamrud, Shagai forts, Ali Masjid, lunch at Khyber Brigade Mess, visit to Khyber Rifles Mess and Michni Post.
For making the package attractive, the plan has recommended the refurbishing of each place in the same the way as they were during the British rule. Establishment of museum, containing historical uniforms and weapons, a tour to of the current living conditions of other ranks, while a shooting competition would be an added attraction.
The promotion of the plan would be made through Sehrai Travel Agency and Pearl Continental hotels for attracting of foreign tourists, leaflets to be displayed at all universities while Bank of Khyber and Standard Chartered and other banks should be approached for providing free tickets to high net worth clients as a promotional gimmick.