In an effort to alleviate growing congestion and enhance transportation in southern Peshawar, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has proposed a significant infrastructure project: a second outer ring road. This proposal, currently under review at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, aims to divert heavy traffic from congested urban routes.
The preliminary cost of this ambitious initiative is estimated between Rs50 billion and Rs60 billion. The proposed road will stretch approximately 31 kilometers and traverse multiple southern localities within the provincial capital, Peshawar. It’s expected to serve as a vital corridor for commuters seeking alternative routes during peak hours.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi emphasized the importance of incorporating suitable interchanges in the project design to facilitate smoother traffic flow. He also stressed the need to plan with future transportation needs in mind. To aid this planning process, authorities were directed to collaborate closely with the National Highway Authority (NHA) to establish an interchange at the Peshawar Bus Terminal. This will allow buses accessing the terminal direct access to the ring road without needing to enter the congested urban area.
The meeting also discussed a potential integration of a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) track along the outer ring road, thereby bolstering public transportation within the city.
These measures are part of the KP government’s broader strategy to modernize Peshawar’s infrastructure and ensure efficient connectivity for its residents.