CM orders removal of BRT staircases to ease traffic on University Road

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered the immediate relocation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) staircases at seven points on University Road to restore its full capacity and resolve persistent traffic congestion.

The staircases, which had reduced the three-lane road to two lanes, will be shifted to the roadside without disrupting BRT operations or affecting institutional properties.On the chief minister’s directives, Commissioner, Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mahsud chaired a meeting to address the issue. Attended by senior officials from the Peshawar Development Authority, district administration, University of Peshawar, Islamia College, Peshawar Board of Education, Federal Board of Revenue, and TransPeshawar, the meeting identified seven congestion points where the BRT staircases were obstructing traffic flow.

The meeting decided to immediately relocate the staircases at Board Bazaar, Islamia College, University of Peshawar, and University Town stops. A committee, led by the Director General of the Peshawar Development Authority and comprising representatives from relevant institutions, was tasked with executing the plan without encroaching upon surrounding properties.

Riaz Mahsud directed the committee to expedite the relocation and restore the road to three lanes. He also instructed the team to survey other congestion points and illegal encroachments for further action. The committee has been ordered to visit the affected sites immediately and submit a progress report.