Looking forward: ‘Rapid bus project will streamline traffic flow’

PESHAWAR:

The recently approved Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project is likely to streamline traffic flow in the city.

This was mentioned in a press release issued on Sunday by the Peshawar chapter of Frontier Heritage Trust, Institute of Architects of Pakistan and Sarhad Conservation Network.  According to the press release, the project has been lauded by various civil society organisations as the growing population and the influx of the displaced population has affected traffic flow in the city.

“Flyovers are [an ineffective] way of catering to a dense population,” stated the document. “A sustainable mass transit system is an ideal alternative.” It added “Monorails along the existing railway lines could also be explored as another option to reduce traffic along the main arteries.”

Recommendations

The press release suggested the K-P government should consult an advisory council of experts and social activists on the design and route of the proposed corridors of the project. “Utmost sensitivity is needed before the project is started,” read the press release. “As it is existing flyovers have obstructed the view of monuments such as Balahissar Fort.”

Rewind

Addressing a high-level meeting at Chief Minister’s Secretariat on February 18, Khattak ordered the finalisation of the BRT project. He also asked relevant authorities to submit a plan of the initiative.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd,  2016.