Peshawar — The federal government has approved a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Greater Peshawar Region Mass Transit Circular Rail. The Ministry of Railways authorized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to launch a comprehensive feasibility study. Officials describe the project as the backbone of a future “Greater Peshawar Region” metropolitan corridor.
The project will enhance connectivity across the province. The first phase focuses on the “Inner Ring,” linking Peshawar with Nowshera, Mardan, and Charsadda. The second phase will extend the network to Jahangira, Swabi, and Dargai. This expansion aims to create a single, synchronized circular rail connecting both core and peripheral districts.
Autonomy with accountability
The NOC places full responsibility on the KP government for execution. Pakistan Railways will not assume any financial, legal, or technical liability. Under the Transfer of Railway Orders (1962), the province must obtain federal cabinet approval before constructing any new lines. Safety will remain a priority. The Federal Inspector of Railways must grant final certification before operations begin.
The urban shift
The rail system could reduce traffic congestion in Peshawar. By shifting commuter and cargo transport onto a dedicated circular rail, planners expect smoother movement of labor and goods. Officials believe the project could stimulate economic activity and support urban growth.
The provincial government now leads the feasibility study. If the study confirms the project’s viability, the Greater Peshawar Region Mass Transit Circular Rail could transform the province’s transit landscape. The project represents a major infrastructure shift with potential long-term economic and social benefits for the region.
