Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has formally inaugurated the construction of the Ring Road PDA Toll Plaza Hayatabad Underpass Project in Peshawar, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and easing congestion in the provincial capital.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the chief minister said that the underpass would be built at an estimated cost of Rs1.6 billion and would consist of two traffic lanes. The project is expected to enhance connectivity along Peshawar’s busy Ring Road and provide smoother transportation for commuters traveling to and from Hayatabad and surrounding areas.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, local representatives, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in the development of the project. Officials expressed optimism that the underpass would play a significant role in reducing travel time and addressing traffic bottlenecks in one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Part of Broader Urban Development Strategy
Addressing participants at the event, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing urban infrastructure and improving public services. He noted that the underpass project forms part of broader efforts to upgrade Peshawar’s transport network and accommodate the city’s growing population and increasing traffic demands.
Afridi stated that the provincial government had finalized the Rs200 billion Peshawar Restoration Program after extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders. According to him, the comprehensive development package has been designed to address key urban challenges and accelerate the city’s transformation through carefully planned infrastructure projects.
“The Rs200 billion Peshawar Restoration Program has been finalized through consultation with all stakeholders,” the chief minister said. “Our objective is to ensure sustainable development and provide modern facilities to the people of Peshawar.”
Focus on Timely Completion
The chief minister emphasized that the government’s priority is not only to initiate development projects but also to ensure their completion within the stipulated timelines. He said authorities are making every effort to begin all projects included in the development plan without unnecessary delays and to complete them according to schedule.
“We are striving to ensure that all projects included in the plan are launched on time and completed within the prescribed timeframe,” Afridi said.
Timely execution of development schemes has remained a key concern in many public-sector projects across Pakistan, where delays often lead to increased costs and inconvenience for residents. The chief minister assured attendees that strict monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure transparency, efficiency, and adherence to project deadlines.
Addressing Traffic Challenges
Peshawar has witnessed rapid urban expansion over the past decade, resulting in increased traffic volumes on major roads, including the Ring Road. The area around the PDA Toll Plaza in Hayatabad is considered one of the busiest traffic points in the city, serving thousands of vehicles daily.
Officials believe the new underpass will help streamline traffic movement by separating through-traffic from local traffic flows, thereby reducing congestion and improving road safety. The project is also expected to facilitate easier access to residential, commercial, and industrial areas located along the route.
Urban planning experts have frequently stressed the importance of investing in transport infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life in growing cities. The construction of underpasses, flyovers, and road expansion projects is often viewed as a practical solution for managing increasing traffic demands.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond easing congestion, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities during its construction phase. Local contractors, engineers, laborers, and suppliers are likely to benefit from the economic activity associated with the development work.
Improved transportation infrastructure can also contribute to economic growth by reducing travel times, lowering transportation costs, and facilitating the movement of goods and services. Businesses operating in and around Hayatabad may particularly benefit from enhanced accessibility once the project is completed.
Vision for a Modern Peshawar
The launch of the underpass project reflects the provincial government’s broader vision of transforming Peshawar into a modern and well-connected urban center. Through the Peshawar Restoration Program, authorities aim to upgrade roads, public facilities, and municipal services while addressing long-standing infrastructure deficiencies.
Government officials say that consultation with stakeholders, including urban planners, engineers, local communities, and public representatives, has been a central feature of the planning process. Such collaboration is intended to ensure that development projects effectively address public needs and contribute to sustainable urban growth.
As construction begins on the Rs1.6 billion underpass, residents and commuters will be watching closely for progress on a project that promises to improve mobility and support the city’s long-term development goals. The provincial government remains confident that the initiative will become an important addition to Peshawar’s transport infrastructure and a key component of its ambitious urban renewal agenda.
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