PESHAWAR – In a major move to modernize urban infrastructure, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has officially reviewed the proposed Peshawar Outer Ring Road project. The 31-kilometer southern bypass is set to transform the provincial capital’s commute, with an estimated investment of Rs 50-60 billion.
Key Highlights of the Southern Outer Ring Road Project
- Total Length: 31 Kilometers.
- Estimated Cost: Rs 50 to 60 Billion.
- Completion Timeline: 3 Years (Target: 2029).
- Key Feature: Integration of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) track.
During a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House on Tuesday, CM Sohail Afridi emphasized that the Outer Ring Road is not just a highway but a “forward-looking” solution to the city’s chronic traffic jams.
“The project will facilitate greater commercial and economic activity in the southern outskirts while providing a sustainable alternative for long-term urban expansion,” the CM stated.
Strategic Interchanges and NHA Collaboration
To maximize the project’s impact, the Chief Minister directed the inclusion of strategically located interchanges. A critical part of the plan involves collaboration with the National Highway Authority (NHA) to build a dedicated interchange at the Peshawar Bus Terminal.
This move is designed to divert intercity heavy traffic directly onto the Ring Road, preventing large vehicles from entering the congested urban core.
Expert Insight: By connecting the southern localities directly to the main transit hubs, Peshawar aims to reduce the “urban heat island” effect and carbon emissions caused by idling traffic.
Modernizing Public Transit: The BRT Expansion
In a significant addition to the original plan, the health and transport departments have been tasked with conducting a feasibility study for a BRT track along the new route. This ensures that the Outer Ring Road serves both private commut
