Speedy work on Peshawar BRT project ordered

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on Thursday directed officials to ensure speedy work on Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit Project, including the contract of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) of the project, rapid and quality construction of feeder routes, bus stops and commercial plazas.

He said this while chairing a meeting. The commissioner of Peshawar, officials of the Transport Department, Peshawar Development Authority, other institutions, and contractors attended the meeting.

The participants of the meeting were briefed on the progress made so far on the BRT.

The chief minister was told that the new machine had been recently deployed near Chamkani to expedite work on Reach-I of the Package-I. He was told that NESPAK was about to submit the new design for the Pir Zakori bridge to start work on it.

The design of the bus stations have been finalised and practical work was being initiated on it in couple of days, he was told. The chief minister ordered cleaning of roads alongside construction works so that people do not face problems. He asked the officials concerned to ensure alternative traffic arrangement system for smooth movement of vehicles and to facilitate the commuters.

Pervez Khattak said the Bus Rapid Transit was the third generation project in the real context, with extra features including cycle tracks. He directed the officials to ensure completion of the Package-I in all respects before the target period.

The chief minister demanded submission of written timelines for completion of work from the Pir Zakori bridge up to the Firdous underpass.

He expressed satisfaction that work on Reach-III was proceeding smoothly, steel fixing was being completed there and no difficulty or hurdle was being experienced.

The chief minister sought completion of the photographic survey of the feeder routes and bus stops and beginning of work on the portions that had been cleared during the process.

He asked for completion of the bidding of the commercial plazas as the sites were clear and hence construction work on commercial plazas should be started. Pervez Khattak said an elevated cycle track must also be ensured in cantonment area.