Major boost for traffic, trade: 16-year-old Northern Bypass dispute resolved

PESHAWAR: After 16 years of deadlock, the long-standing dispute surrounding the Northern Bypass project in Peshawar has finally been resolved, heralding a significant milestone for the city's traffic system and Pak-Afghan trade.

The Kukikhel tribes have reached an agreement to transfer land ownership to the National Highway Authority (NHA), bringing an end to the impasse that had halted progress on the project.

The breakthrough came following a jirga mediated by the government, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the provincial administration and local stakeholders. The completion of the Northern Bypass, particularly the segment spanning from Takhta Baig to Nasir Bagh Road in Khyber district, is poised to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in Peshawar.

This vital artery is projected to reduce travel time from Takhta Baig to Motorway M1 to a mere 18 minutes. Additionally, the forthcoming Northern Bypass Ring Road, scheduled to open by December 31, 2024, is anticipated to substantially ease traffic flow on key arteries such as Jamrud Road, University Road, Ring Road, and GT Road.

Moreover, the Northern Bypass will serve as a pivotal link for vehicular traffic between Afghanistan, Khyber, and the motorway, mitigating congestion hotspots like Karkhano Market, Hayatabad, and Ring Road. Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, extended gratitude to all involved parties for their cooperation in reaching this resolution.