The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is examining a proposal to construct a second ring road in Peshawar to address the growing traffic pressure in the provincial capital, particularly in its southern areas. The proposed infrastructure project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city’s busiest urban corridors.
The plan was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Sohail Afridi, where officials presented initial details of the proposed project.
Proposed Route and Length
According to officials, the proposed outer ring road will stretch approximately 31 kilometers and pass through several localities in the southern part of Peshawar.
The road is expected to play an important role in diverting traffic away from crowded city routes, allowing vehicles to bypass congested areas and travel more efficiently.
Estimated Project Cost
Authorities informed the meeting that the preliminary cost of the project is estimated between Rs50 billion and Rs60 billion. The investment is aimed at strengthening the city’s transportation infrastructure while supporting future urban expansion.
Rapid population growth and increasing vehicle numbers have placed significant pressure on Peshawar’s existing road network, making new infrastructure projects essential for improving mobility in the city.
Focus on Accessibility and Long-Term Planning
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi directed authorities to ensure that multiple interchanges are included in the project design so commuters can easily access the new route from different parts of the city.
He also emphasized the importance of planning the road with Peshawar’s long-term transportation needs in mind, ensuring that the project remains useful for decades as the city continues to expand.
Direct Access to Peshawar Bus Terminal
The chief minister also instructed relevant departments to coordinate with the National Highway Authority to develop an interchange near the Peshawar Bus Terminal.
This interchange would allow vehicles to reach the terminal directly without entering congested inner-city areas, significantly improving travel convenience for passengers and transport operators.
Potential Integration with BRT System
Another important aspect discussed during the meeting was the possibility of including a dedicated track for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit system along the proposed ring road.
The Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit is a key public transport network in the city, and integrating it with the new road could further strengthen urban mobility.
Such integration would improve connectivity between different parts of the city while encouraging greater use of public transportation.
Improving Urban Mobility in Peshawar
If approved and implemented, the second ring road project could significantly improve traffic management in Peshawar by:
- Reducing congestion inside the city
- Providing an alternative route for long-distance traffic
- Improving access to key transport hubs
- Strengthening the public transport network
The proposal is currently under review, and further planning and feasibility studies will determine the next steps for the project.
