Meeting reviews projects for uplift of Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The elected representatives and chief secretary were briefed by the director general of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) on key development initiatives aimed at transforming the provincial capital.

Attended by MNA Asif Khan, Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah, the meeting focused on addressing traffic congestion, beautification efforts, and urban expansion, including the development of Hayatabad and Regi Model townships. As part of the traffic decongestion plan, interventions were proposed at seven major locations, including Board Bazaar, Islamia College, University of Peshawar, and University Town, to improve traffic flow.

Officials also provided updates on critical infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited Ring Road missing link, which will connect Warsak Road to Nasir Bagh Road. Additionally, the construction of a new bus terminal at the Motorway junction was discussed. The meeting was informed that the Chamani Park and Ride facility had been completed, while a bridge over the Warsak Gravity Canal, enabling a U-turn facility at Nasir Bagh Road, was completed in a record 30 days.

To enhance project oversight, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah directed the PDA to develop a tracking system for monitoring progress. He emphasised the need to align projects with the Peshawar Master Plan and conduct a comprehensive study to tackle traffic congestion through infrastructure improvements.

As part of the city’s beautification and environmental initiatives, the PDA has launched a massive plantation drive, aiming to plant 82,400 saplings across Peshawar. The meeting also reviewed upcoming projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to accelerate urban development.

The chief secretary reaffirmed the PDA’s central role in ensuring sustainable development. “Peshawar serves as the face of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for visitors and investors,” he stated, underscoring the need for well-planned and efficient urban growth.