Master plan unveiled to address traffic chaos

Construction work on underpasses, expansion to take place on Ring, University Roads

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken notice of the traffic congestion in Peshawar and decided to expand five key locations on University Road and construct underpasses at four points on Ring Road. The underpasses will be built at high-traffic areas on Ring Road, including Kabutar Chowk, Dilazak Chowk, Jamil Chowk, Pishtakhara Chowk, and Customs Chowk. Similarly, on University Road, expansions will be carried out at Board Bazaar, Town Chowk, Sherpao Hospital, Iqra Chowk, and Tambano Chowk, where traffic jams are common.

Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan, accompanied by the deputy commissioner of Peshawar, the director general of the Peshawar Development Authority, and other officials, visited these locations. He directed a comprehensive operation against encroachments on University Road and ordered the establishment of a permanent anti-encroachment squad to prevent temporary encroachments.

Additionally, he emphasised maintaining smooth traffic flow during the expansion work on University Road and minimising inconvenience to the public. Similar instructions were given for maintaining traffic flow during the construction of underpasses on Ring Road.

Commissioner Riaz Khan stated that short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans would be implemented simultaneously to control traffic congestion in Peshawar. He expressed hope that timely measures would lead to a permanent solution to the city's traffic problems and improve the flow of traffic.

Peshawar is currently grappling with significant traffic congestion, adversely affecting daily life and the environment. A notable contributor to this issue is the proliferation of unregistered rickshaws, taxis, and outdated buses, which not only exacerbate traffic jams but also elevate air pollution levels, leading to increased respiratory and seasonal illnesses among residents.

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, intended to streamline urban transportation, has faced criticism for its planning and execution. The project's infrastructure has narrowed major thoroughfares like GT Road, resulting in obstructed traffic flow and frequent bottlenecks. Additionally, the removal of older vehicles in favor of BRT buses has led to overcrowding, with many passengers left standing during commutes.

In response to these challenges, the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) has initiated plans to construct underpasses and flyovers at critical junctions, including Ring Road, to alleviate congestion. Initially, eight such structures are planned, with three on Ring Road and five at other congested points. These infrastructural developments aim to enhance traffic flow and reduce commute times for residents.

Furthermore, the local administration has implemented measures such as banning heavy vehicles, including trucks and tractors, on University Road during peak hours (7:00 am to 10:00 pm) and launching operations to remove encroachments that impede traffic. These steps are part of a comprehensive plan to address vehicular congestion and ensure smoother traffic movement in the city.

Despite these efforts, residents continue to face daily challenges due to traffic congestion. Commuters, including students, professionals, and patients, experience significant delays, with some reporting travel times exceeding two hours for journeys that should take 30 minutes.