A high-level meeting on traffic congestion and related issues in district Peshawar was held on Monday, chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur.
The meeting was attended by provincial cabinet members, national and provincial assembly members from Peshawar, the chief secretary, administrative secretaries of relevant departments, local government representatives, and other senior officials.
The participants reviewed a detailed report by the committee on traffic issues in Peshawar. Officials briefed the meeting on the legal framework governing vehicular traffic, root causes of congestion, and proposed traffic plans.
During the meeting, both short-term and mid-term traffic plans were approved to permanently address traffic issues in the provincial capital. It was decided that following the implementation of these plans, a long-term strategy would also be developed.
The approved plans outline clear responsibilities for all relevant departments and institutions, along with set timelines for implementation. A robust monitoring mechanism will be established to oversee the execution of the plans.
The chief minister instructed authorities to immediately begin implementing the proposed plans and emphasized regular progress reviews to ensure adherence to the defined timelines.
He remarked that Peshawar is the face of the province and belongs to all its residents. A comprehensive plan has been formulated to enhance its beauty and functionality.
"A special package for Peshawar will be included in the upcoming Annual Development Programme," he said, urging elected representatives to set politics aside and contribute actively to the city's improvement.
The chief minister said that consultations would be held with elected representatives for the selection of development schemes in Peshawar.
The meeting also approved immediate recruitment to fill vacant positions in various departments to support implementation of the new traffic plan. It was further decided that required machinery and equipment would be provided on a priority basis.
Highlighting major traffic initiatives, the chief minister noted that expansion of the BRT system and the construction of three underpasses on University Road would significantly improve traffic flow.
He emphasized the urgent need for zebra crossings and overhead pedestrian bridges in Peshawar and directed officials to prepare cost estimates. He assured that the government would provide all necessary resources for this purpose.
He further instructed the construction of overhead pedestrian bridges near educational institutions and market entrances.
While reviewing major ongoing road projects in Peshawar, officials informed the meeting that the missing link of Ring Road up to Nasir Bagh will be completed by the end of this month, and construction of the section from Nasir Bagh to Takhta Baig is progressing rapidly.
A separate road is also under construction to connect the Hayatabad Industrial Estate to Ring Road. Additionally, work is ongoing on the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor. These projects are expected to provide lasting solutions to traffic issues in the city.
The chief minister directed strict action against illegal parking and stressed rigorous enforcement of parking regulations. He instructed that building maps for all plazas be re-evaluated to ensure compliance with parking space requirements.
He made it clear that if any building plan was approved without parking after the relevant law came into effect, those responsible must be held accountable. He added that no new plaza should be approved without adequate parking facilities.
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